awis  and 

Kunigunde 

ROBERT  H.  VICKERS 


ZAWIS  AND  KUNIGUNDE 


ft  BoDemian  Tale 


BY 


ROBERT  H.  VICKERS 

OF  THE  CHICAGO  BAR 


AUTHOR  OF 

“martyrdoms  of  literature,  ““the  history  of  bohemia, 

ETC.,  ETC. 


CHICAGO 

CHARLES  H.  KERR  & COMPANY 
175  Monroe  Street 
1895 


Copyright  1894,  by 
ROBERT  H.  VICKERS 

ALL  RIGHTS  RESERVED 


PREFACE. 


The  restricted  limits  prescribed  for  this  book  have 
prevented  as  full  a detail  of  minor  events  as  the 
writer  had  proposed. 

The  chief  incidents  are  all  historically  true.  The 
grouping  and  the  sequences  present  a revival  picture 
of  the  age  in  which  the  events  occurred  without  dis- 
tortion of  fact  or  exaggeration  of  statement. 

Replete  with  strong  contrasts  of  light  and  shade 
as  the  age  was;  rugged  as  the  life  of  every  people 
long  continued;  yet  amid  the  fiercer  passions  arose, 
in  vividly  distinctive  beauty,  the  gentler  virtues,  the 
loftier  motives,  and  the  purer  sentiments  of  multi- 
tudes of  individuals.  Not  only  the  essential  ten- 
dencies of  human  nature,  but  the  constant  recur- 
rence of  human  sympathies,  and  the  ineffaceable 
marks  of  these  on  the  surface  of  human  life  wherever 
peace  and  security  permitted  their  display,  strongly 
prove  that  women  and  men  were  not  then  worse  than 
at  other  times,  but  that  the  prevalence  of  delusions 
more  or  less  plausible,  and  all  springing  from  ignor- 
ance of  natural  facts, had  for  a time  usurped  the  place 
of  better  inspiration.  One  of  the  most  lamentable 
perils  to  which  we  are  all  subject  is  the  readiness  we 
exhibit  to  employ  the  best  motives  for  the  worst 


4 


PREFACE 


purposes.  A terrified  imagination,  a sensitive  na- 
ture, and  a confusion  of  ideas  that  buries  an  act  un- 
der a feeling,  will  render  a man  or  woman,  essentially 
good,  temporarily  a fiend. 

When  a long  era,  under  apparently  divine  sanction, 
devotes  itself  to  the  cultivation  of  such  excitable 
feelings,  and  associates  them  with  supernatural 
agencies,  the  result  must  be,  and  always  has  been, 
to  fill  the  world  with  virtuous  frenzy  that  destroys 
all  virtue  but  that  of  its  own  distorted  character. 
Such  was  the  age  here  depicted. 

The  chief  personages  are  real;  the  inter-play  of 
their  associations,  as  herein  set  down,  is  such  as  most 
naturally  arose  out  of  their  historical  relation  with 
each  other.  No  false  position,  improbable  senti- 
ment, or  excessive  coloring  has  been  adopted. 

Real  life,  such  as  this  book  recalls,  is  more  replete 
with  records  containing  evidence  of  the  good 
oppressed,  sometimes  rewarded,  and  the  evil  exalted 
and  glorified,  than  can  be  presented  by  the  fictitious 
annals  of  ingenious  invention,  however  skillfully  or 
elaborately  drawn. 

Bohemian  history  contains  an  accumulation  of 
such  historic  memorials,  and  here  is  one. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  AGE 

Preface 3 

I.  The  Journey 7 

11.  The  Camp 21 

III.  The  Battle 37 

IV.  The  Council  Banquet 50 

V.  Parties  and  Conspiracies 72 

VI.  Furstenberg:  Friends  and  Foes 90 

VII.  Slavery.  Deliverance.  Ordination....  105 

VIII.  Weddings 117 

IX.  A Widow  Pleads  for  the  Body  of  Her 

Dead  Husband 151 

X.  Marriage  of  Zawis  and  Kunigunde 140 

XI.  Martyrdom 141 

XH.  Furstenberg  and  its  Politics 161 

XHI.  Drda  Imprisoned.  Prokop’s  Prophecy.  170 

XIV.  New  Policies.  Death  of  Kunigunde...  178 

XV.  Plots  and  Counterplots 188 

XVI.  Marriage  Embassy  to  Hungary 196 

XVH.  Superstition  and  Treachery  in  the 

Palace  212 

XVHI.  A Treacherous  Invitation  and  a Prison  221 
XIV.  Wrath  IN  Hungary.  Lord  Boppo  Aroused  230 
XX.  Boppo  Confronts  and  Repudiates  Ru- 
dolph  241 

XXL  Arraignment  of  Zawis  and  Jaroslav....  253 
XXH.  Alarm  at  Furstenberg.  Mission  to 

Wenzel 264 

XXHI.  Murder  of  Zawis  Before  Hluboka 276 

XXIV.  Innocence  of  Zawis  Proved 285 

XXV.  Quiet  at  Furstenberg.  Weddings 295 


I 


CHAPTER  L 


THE  JOURNEY. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  month  of  August,  A.  D. 
1278,  two  travelers  journeyed  on  foot,  not  far  from 
each  other,  along  the  road  from  Vienna  towards 
the  March.  They  were  strangers  in  that  country 
and  with  difficulty  made  themselves  understood. 
But  little  opportunity  existed,  however,  for  the  ex- 
ercise of  conversational  powers,  and  the  region  seemed 
depopulated.  In  several  miles  not  an  inhabitant 
was  encountered  on  the  highway;  and  once  or  twice 
only  a frightened  peasant  who  came  in  sight  in  the 
cultivated  portions  showed  himself  for  an  instant  and 
then  hastily  disappeared. 

Toward  evening  the  foremost  traveler  checked  his 
steady  pace  occasionally  and  scanned  the  surrounding 
country  for  a symptom  of  possible  shelter.  These 
halts  enabled  the  second  stranger  to  diminish  the  dis- 
tance between  them,  and,  as  he  approached,  his  gen- 
eral appearance  was  scrutinized  very  closely  by  the 
other.  The  investigation,  conducted  on  both  sides 
with  obvious  attention,  appeared  to  be  mutually  as- 
suring. Neither  carried  a weapon,  except  a straight 
staff  evidently  not  fashioned  for  combat.  The  fore- 

7 


8 


THE  JOURNEY 


most  one  briefly  addressed  his  companion  in  the  Ara- 
bic language,  but  he  only  obtained  in  reply  a sign 
that  he  was  not  understood.  As  he  hesitated  to  speak 
again,  not  knowing  of  what  kindred  the  stranger 
might  be,  he  was  in  turn  addressed  in  Spanish  Pro- 
ven9al.  Replying  in  broad  Spanish  and  being  at 
once  answered  therein,  a method  of  communication 
was  welcomed  by  each. 

“A  dreary  prospect,  brother  stranger,’^  remarked 
the  foremost,  “and  slight  promise  of  even  a bag  of 
straw  and  a crust  to-night.” 

“Let  not  my  brother  speak  so,”  replied  the  other; 
“there  is  always  a superintending  eye  and  a ready 
hand  for  those  who  commit  themselves  to  the  High- 
est.” 

“You  speak  worthily,  excellent  sir,”  was  the  an- 
swer, a relaxed  countenance  indicating  confidence, 
“and  I trust  that  this  supreme  care  maybe  extended 
to  us,  for  according  to  appearances  we  shall  need  it. 
Our  own  potency  seems  to  be  at  a limit  here.” 

“Our  assurance  of  the  protection  of  a better  wis- 
dom than  our  own  should  not  deprive  us  cf  the  exer- 
cise of  the  free  faculties  intrusted  to  us,”  was  the  re- 
joinder. “Let  us  see  what  we  can  do  to  help  our- 
selves.” 

Whether  the  free  voices  were  heard  by  sensitive 
ears  of  man  or  quadruped  in  the  quiet  summer  air, 
and  recognized  as  human,  or  whether  more  probably 
an  indistinct  sound  was  conveyed  farther  than  the 
two  men  believed  possible,  the  barking  of  a small 
dog  at  a distance  became  faintly  audible.  Both  men 


THE  JOURNEY 


9 


had  spoken  with  that  candor  and  frankness  of  word 
and  manner  which  denotes  a life  of  naturalness  and 
unconstraint.  Looking  around  to  discover  whence 
probably  came  the  sound,  one  of  the  men  perceived 
a line  of  tracks  through  the  shrubs  and  thickets  that 
betokened  the  customary  presence  here  of  that  ele- 
mentary indication  of  civilization,  a herd  of  swine. 

“Not  an  invitixUg  symbol,”  said  the  other,  when 
these  tokens  of  habitation  were  pointed  out  to  him, 
“but  probably  the  associations  of  the  forbidden  crea- 
ture may  possess  redeeming  opportunities.  We  are 
not  to  avoid  that  progress  towards  perfect  reason 
which  apparently  trivial  circumstances  frequently 
supply  to  us  in  daily  life,  during  our  advance  to 
perfection,  which  is  the  end  of  all  being.” 

Following  the  track  thus  presented,  the  strangers 
advanced  along  an  irregular  and  circuitous,  but,  con- 
sidering the  unevenness  of  the  ground,  a remarkably 
level  line;  and  before  long  found  themselves  in  pres- 
ence of  a congeries  of  huts  formed  out  of  the  broken 
walls  of  what  had  previously  been  a large  and  pre- 
tentious edifice.  Dogs  barked,  scared  children  ran 
hither  and  thither,  women  appeared  at  doors  and  at 
once  retired.  The  strangers  stood  and  looked  around, 
and  then  at  each  other  without  speaking.  An  old 
man  with  long  white  hair  and  beard  presented  him- 
self, and  with  an  air  indicating  fallen  fortunes  saluted 
the  strangers.  His  language  was  unintelligible. 
Spanish,  Arabic,  Proven9al,  were  tried  without  effect. 
German  he  would  not  or  could  not  understand;  it 
difficult  from  hi5  air  to  determine  which.  At 


10 


THE  JOURNEY 


length  he  uttered  a few  words  in  Greek,  and  was  at 
once  perfectly  comprehended  by  one  of  the  strangers. 
From  the  implements  of  husbandry  visible  it  was 
clear  that  younger  men  still  inhabited  the  place, 
but  they  were  nowhere  seen.  A simple  meal  and  a 
lodging  were  cheerfully  provided  as  soon  as  it  be- 
came ascertained  that  the  visit  was  not  accompanied 
with  evil  intentions.  The  old  gentleman  waited 
upon  his  guests  himself,  and  left  them  to  their  repose, 
complete  masters  of  one  of  the  huts  which  consti- 
tuted the  complex  habitation. 

“What  are  they?^^  eagerly  inquired  the  old  lady 
of  the  place  as  soon  as  all  was  quiet.  “What  does 
it  mean,  do  you  think.^  More  emissaries  to  do  the 
evil  work  of  our  destroyers?  More  secret  agents  of 
the  hated  Latin  man  come  to  uproot  our  ancient 
faith  and  show  his  myrmidons  the  by-ways  of  our 
land  that  he  may  grasp  our  inheritance  to  nourish 
his  persecuting  superstition?  What  think  you, 
father?’’ 

“Be  assured,  good  heart,”  said  the  old  man,  “our 
new  friends  are  no  servants  of  the  Latin  tyrant. 
They  are  both  men  of  grave,  if  not  reverend  aspect, 
and  express  themselves  with  all  due  ceremony.  The 
elder  is  somewhat  swarthy  of  complexion,  and  I 
judge  about  fifty  years  of  age.  From  his  dress  and 
language  I consider  him  a Hebrew  of  X,he  Spanish 
stock,  and  I should  infer  a man  of  sound  learning 
after  his  system.  His  dress  corresponds  to  his  per- 
sonality, and  is  of  the  Hebrews’,  without  ostentation 
or  concealment.  His  language  is  that  of  a scholar; 


THE  JOURNEY 


11 


and  his  mode  of  address  is  that  of  the  modern  school 
patterned  after  the  pagan  maxims  of  the  unenlight- 
ened days,  but  reverenced  by  men  of  Eastern  mental 
tastes.  His  companion  is  younger,  and  if  I mistake 
not,  is  one  of  our  brethren  whose  fathers’  home  was 
in  the  sunny  fields  of  France  ere  the  whirlwind  of 
cruelty  drove  them  forth  to  such  shelter  as  we  and 
our  neighbors  can  supply.  I judge  that  he  is  bound 
on  a mission  of  faith  to  our  brethren  in  Hungary  and 
Poland.  He  has  learned  some  of  the  Dalmatian 
speech  too,  as  he  took  occasion  to  let  me  perceive, 
and  I infer  that  he  bears  a message  from  the  exiles 
along  that  coast.  He  is  less  of  a philosopher  than 
his  companion;  but  I doubt  not  that  his  heart  is  of 
the  purified,  and  his  light  is  from  the  Enlightener  of 
men.  But  I marvel  that  our  new  friends  have  ven- 
tured hither  at  this  moment,  when  the  deadly  em- 
brace of  death  again  menaces  all.  The  new  sworn 
ally  of  the  Latin  tyrant  is  again  bearing  down  against 
us,  and  I fear  that  our  gallant  King  must  succumb 
to  the  treacherous  combination  that  assails  him.’’ 

‘‘But  the  books,  father,”  earnestly  rejoined  the  old 
lady,  “did  you  secure  them  from  prying  eyes,  and 
possibly  hands  of  covetousness  or  destruction.!’  You 
know  the  Hebrews  are  no  friends  of  the  inspired 
wisdom  of  our  revelation.” 

“Be  assured  again,  good  heart,”  said  the  old  man; 
“our  friends  are  not  likely  to  injure  or  remove  the 
sources  whence  is  derived  the  hospitable  and  en- 
lightening spirit  that  sheds  harmony  over  the  home 
of  the  one,  surrounded  as  he  is  by  many  creeds  and 


12 


THE  JOURNEY 


races,  and  secures  to  the  other  that  brotherly  wel- 
come of  which  the  books  themselves  furnish  the  most 
appropriate  example  and  result.  The  Hebrew  stranger 
is  encompassed  in  his  own  home  by  an  atmosphere 
of  culture,  and  his  friends  are  among  the  educators 
of  men.  I doubt  not  that  his  associations  are  of 
the  learning  and  the  splendor  of  Cordova,  and  that 
he  has  drunk  deep  of  the  widely  diffused  maxims  of 
Saadia  and  the  sages  of  Sora.  Nowhere  have  I seen 
more  generous  rivalry  in  the  search  for  the  true  and 
the  good  than  in  the  schools  of  Andalusia;  and  no- 
where does  the  human  heart  blossom  out  into  more 
devoted  search  for  the  divine  which  they  have  not 
yet  found.  The  brightest  colors  of  human  aspiration 
after  the  good  and  best  are  there  displayed  undimmed 
by  the  dark  shades  of  calculating  demon-craft  in  the 
west,  which  struggle  by  every  undivine  and  unhal- 
lowed stimulus  of  the  baser  passions  to  crush  out 
the  gentle  research  into  the  works  of  the  omnipotent 
which  brings  the  divine  in  the  human  soul  into  such 
sweet  harmony  with  the  equally  divine  things  around 
it.  Let  us  repose  in  peace,  good  heart.  It  is  not 
from  our  new  friends  that  my  apprehensions  arise, 
but  from  some  probable  new  troubles  that  may  have 
suggested  their  journey.” 

“Let  us  congratulate  ourselves,”  exclaimed  the 
Hebrew  stranger,  “on  the  peaceful  shelter  we  have 
obtained.  Far  better  is  a humble  abode  like  this 
than  the  best  of  the  resorts  where  travelers  usually 
take  lodgment.  Such  places  are  frequented  by 
footpads,  and  those  who  conduct  them  are  usually 


THE  JOURNEY 


13 


the  associates  of  robbers.  Here,  I am  well  assured, 
we  are  secure.” 

“Did  I not  remind  you  of  the  protection  of  a bet- 
ter wisdom  than  our  own.^”  replied  the  other. 

“Truly  you  did;  but  it  appears  to  me  that  it  was 
the  exercise  of  the  faculties  conferred  upon  you  by 
the  all-pervading  power  which  is  diffused  everywhere, 
and  of  which  your  intelligence  is  a constituent  part, 
that  composed  the  protecting  agency.  Let  men 
cease  to  put  those  faculties  in  operation  and  we  have 
no  evidence  whatever  of  a governing  mind.  We 
take  nothing  without  demonstration.” 

“The  supreme  mind,  ” said  the  ether  cautiously, 
“does  not  appear  to  me  to  need  any  aid  from  us. 
Its  operations  are  of  its  own  volition;  and  that  voli- 
tion is  benevolence  and  universal  interposition.” 

“On  that  theory,”  dryly  responded  his  friend,  “it 
is  hard  to  account  for  the  ruins  that  surround  us,  and 
the  oppression  which  seems  to  impede  the  good 
efforts  and  the  noble  human  feelings  that  seem  to 
animate  our  worthy  host.  His  heart  is  not  without 
benevolence,  and  he  interposes  where  he  can ; and 
it  is  difficult  to  account  for  the  want  of  sympathy 
evidenced  in  these  days,  and  in  all  days  ancient  and 
modern,  towards  such  worthy  persons  by  the  su- 
preme benevolence  you  speak  of.  But  let  us  not 
wrangle  ourselves  out  of  our  rest.  We  need  all  the 
repose  we  can  secure.” 

The  apartment  occupied  by  the  wayfarers  really 
consisted  of  an  addition  to  an  addition  to  the  original 
hut  of  the  congeries.  Similar  additions  and  expan- 


14 


THE  JOURNEY 


sions  existed  on  the  other  sides,  until  the  entire  collec- 
tion constituted  a small  hamlet  of  itself,  but  con- 
structed around  and  attached  to  an  original  residence 
now  forming  the  center  of  the  group.  Each  addition 
seemed  to  constitute  a separate  abode,  and  to  have 
been  added  on  as  a son  introduced  a daughter-in- 
law  to  the  original  family,  or  a daughter  had  settled 
down  with  her  husband  beside  her  parents,  who  ruled 
the  increasing  family  in  real  patriarchal  form,  and 
with  full  patriarchal  cordiality.  The  present  cham- 
ber seemed  to  be  habitually  occupied  by  some  mem- 
bers of  the  family,  and  contained  a small  rough  box 
set  on  end,  with  one  shelf,  in  which  were  some 
twenty  books,  old  and  worn  and  discolored.  One 
volume  lay  on  the  top  of  the  box  and  had  evidently 
been  recently  used.  It  was  a fair  manuscript  copy 
of  the  gospels  in  Greek,  and  contained  some  illumi- 
nation in  that  exceedingly  delicate  tracery  which  in- 
terwove flowing  lines  and  patterns  so  frequently  into 
themselves  in  their  endless  convolution  that  pattern 
became  lost,  and  a general  sense  of  beauty  without 
fixedness  or  form  was  presented.  This  book  was 
opened  by  the  younger  man  and  examined  by  both 
with  joyful  surprise. 

“See,”  said  the  elder,“an  apt  symbol  of  the  wisdom 
which  pervades  all  things,  and  diffuses  itself  every- 
where alike  from  the  infinite  treasury  of  nature.  All 
this  commingled  beauty  without  beginning,  without 
end,  spreads  a charm  all  over  whereof  each  part  is 
a constituent  portion,  by  which  each  part  is  produced 
as  it  is,  and  to  which  each  lends  its  aid  in  turn.  So 


THE  JOURNEY 


15 


is  the  diffused  wisdom  which  composes  and  is  com- 
posed by  the  world  around  us.’’ 

‘‘And  the  hut  we  are  in,”  responded  the  younger 
with  a faint  smile,  “is  a constituent  portion  of  that 
beauty,  and  the  life  of  our  host  is  omitted  altogether.” 

The  Jew  looked  grave,  and  said  he  could  explain 
the  mystery,  he  thought,  on  his  principles. 

“But  how  came  that  book  here,  think  you.^”’  he 
asked. 

“Oh, nothing  is  more  simple,”  was  the  reply.  “The 
doctrines  held  in  this  region  for  two  hundred  years 
and  more  were  directly  taught  by  Greeks.  Cyril 
and  Methodius  were  commissioned  from  Constanti- 
nople, and  their  mission  was  in  full  sympathy  with 
the  faith  that  pervaded  all  Eastern  and  a large  por- 
tion of  Western  Europe  for  many  centuries.  Their 
language  also  was  formally  permitted  here  in  com- 
pliance with  the  uninterrupted  communication  with 
the  Northern  Church  in  Constantinople.  It  is,  how- 
ever, cultivated  now  only  by  a few.” 

The  speaker  here  incautiously  permitted  himself 
to  betray  a greater  knowledge  of  the  traditions  of 
the  country  than  had  been  his  purpose.  He  there- 
fore added,  “I  have  heard  these  things  from  travelers, 
because  my  country  was  long  associated  with  these 
regions  by  trade  in  furs  and  silks,  and  horses  and 
wool.”  He  then  laid  down  the  volume,  and  after 
performing  his  devotions  without  noticing  whether 
any  similar  proceeding  was  observed  by  his  compan- 
ion, rest  was  speedily  attained  in  a sleep  that  was 
as  quiet  as  it  was  welcome. 


16 


THE  JOURNEY 


The  morning  sunrise  beheld  the  venerable  host  on 
the  alert  to  attend  to  the  comfort  of  his  guests. 
Breakfast  consisting  of  coarse  bread,  apparently  of 
barley  and  millet,  and  wild  venison  accompanied  with 
home-brewed  beer  promised  a substantial  support 
for  the  expected  fatigue  of  the  coming  journey. 
^‘You  will  need  it  all  and  more,  replied  the  old  man 
in  answer  to  a remark  on  his  munificent  hospitality. 
“The  country  you  will  pass  through  has  been, I fear, 
ravaged  and  wasted  in  all  directions.  Already  the 
destroyers  have  crossed  the  March,  and  scattered 
bands  of  them  are  even  now  plundering  the  helpless 
cottagers  in  Moravia.  I fear  that  dreadful  woes 
await  us  here.  The  ruin  inflicted  by  the  Tartar 
hordes  in  my  youth  was  indeed  a shocking  sight,  but 
even  they  disappeared  almost  as  speedily  as  they 
came.  Now  we  have  a foe  that  will  seize  us  in  his 
talons  and  tear  us  with  his  ravenous  beak.  He  is 
a foe  that  has  come  to  stay;  and  he  is  more  pitiless 
than  the  insatiate  bird  that  emblems  him.  The  skull 
and  bones  that  figured  the  Tartar  carnage  might  be 
appropriately  borrowed  by  the  new  destroyers.  The 
former  created  a desolation  of  death;  the  latter  will 
set  up  a living  pandemonium.” 

“We  have  but  recently  reached  these  borders,”  ex- 
claimed the  strangers  in  rapid  succession.  “We  have 
carefully  abstained  from  discussions,  and  from  asso- 
ciation indeed  with  those  we  meet.”  “I  have  en- 
sconced myself  in  the  quietest  corners,”  declared  the 
Jew,  “and  have  passed  along  as  if  no  outward  purpose 
moved  me.  Journeying  swiftly  and  in  silence,!  have 


THE  JOURNEY 


1? 


escaped  molestation,  and  I can  with  difficulty  com- 
prehend the  cause  of  your  extreme  apprehension. 
In  my  country  we  are  menaced  with  troubles,  and  I 
have  devoted  little  attention  to  this.” 

“The  explanation  might  be  tedious,”  replied  the 
venerable  host.  “Be  thankful,  then,  if  you  escape 
the  impending  storm.  After  three  days  you  will  be 
beyond  its  fury  for  the  present.  We  are  in  its  track, 
and  our  land,  I fear,  shall  be  an  ^Eolian  bag  of  tem- 
pests for  a long  time.  Be  cautious,  and  be  not  sur- 
prised, and  I would  gladly  see  you  safe  again.” 

The  old  man  then  filled  the  pouch  of  each  way- 
farer with  the  same  substantial  viands  that  had 
served  for  breakfast,  adding,  “You  will  need  it. 
Should  you  pass  this  way  again,  my  friends,  or  either 
of  you,  and  the  miscreants  who  torment  us  should 
spare  our  hovels,  or  should  we  have  no  more  for 
them  to  convert  into  palaces  of  idleness  and  supersti- 
tion,” said  the  old  man  again  when  his  guests  ten- 
dered their  farewell  greeting,  and  the  security  of 
his  company  rendered  free  speech  permissible,  “and 
you  will  honor  my  humble  abode  with  your  re- 
spected presence,!  hope  that  the  results  of  events  now 
transpiring  will  enable  me  to  do  you  as  much  honor 
as  I could  wish.”  Thereupon  the  Jew,  placing  his 
hand  on  the  old  man’s  shoulders,  imprinted  a kiss 
upon  his  lips,  saying:  “My  honored  friend,  most  wel- 
come shall  your  roof  be  to  my  eyes  should  I so  far 
progress  in  that  evolution  which  brings  wisdom,  and 
advance  in  that  soul-growth  which  leads  to  perfec- 
tion, as  to  be  able  meetly  to  appreciate  the  divine 


18 


THE  JOURNEY 


life  which  unity  with  the  all-pervading  soul  has 
nourished  up  in  yourself.  Accept  this  trifling  token 
of  my  esteem,  and  let  it  remind  you  that  the  illumi- 
nation which  is  the  essence  of  the  soul  is  not  united 
to  any  one  phase  of  its  manifestation,  or  any  one 
degree  of  its  essential  potency.  The  universal  rea- 
son of  which  we  are  emanations,  and  to  which  we 
must  return, is  immanent  in  all  alike,  and  constitutes 
our  eternal  and  necessary  brotherhood,  and  merges  all 
our  natures  into  one.  Though  we  may  never  meet 
we  shall  mingle,  and  again  and  again  partake  in  the 
diffusion  of  living  intellect  through  the  universe.^’ 
While  he  yet  spoke  he  drew  forth  from  what  seemed 
to  be  the  skin  of  his  arm,  but  was  in  reality  a leather 
armlet  dyed  to  perfection,  four  fine  rings  of  gold, 
each  apparently  notched  in  two  places.  Stringing 
them  together  through  a fine  diagonal  slit,  and  ad- 
justing the  notches,  he  formed  of  the  four  one  gold 
ring  handsomely  chased  and  forming  a three-stranded 
coil  of  gold.  Then  loosing  them  again  a little  and 
bringing  them  close  to  each  other,  he  showed  to  the 
old  man  the  Arabic  inscription: — ‘Tbn  Roschd’^ — 
formed  in  distinct  characters  by  the  different  chas- 
ings. Closing  the  rings  into  one  again,  with  grave 
obeisance  he  presented  it  to  his  host.  “My  name,^’ 
he  added,  “I  need  not  fear  to  give,  and  if  your  prog- 
ress towards  the  universal  essence  should  require  or 
permit  your  presence  at  Cordova,  be  assured  that 
Solomon  Ben  Gerson  will  welcome  his  brother  in 
the  spirit  as  his  own  soul.  We  are  not  as  we  once 


THE  JOURNEY 


19 


were,^’  he  added  sadly,  “but  the  hearts  of  our  fathers 
beat  in  our  breasts.’’ 

The  old  man  melted  under  this  touching  address. 
Seeing  that  further  greetings  would  oppress  a heart 
now  overflowing,  the  younger  traveler  cordially  em- 
braced his  host, merely  adding:  “Receive  the  bless- 
ing of  the  Lord  through  his  pilgrim  Pietro  Felice.” 

“Now, my  brothers,”  finally  said  the  old  patriarch, 
“as  I am  well  assured  of  your  fidelity,  and  I feel  in 
my  heart  that  essential  unity  of  being  through  the 
manifestations  of  its  divine  lovingness  which  makes 
all  men  of  kin  with  each  other  and  with  the  great 
Lord  of  all  love,  permit  me  to  gratify  myself  by 
directing  your  steps  towards  another  shelter  far  more 
worthy  than  mine.  Should  you  escape  the  casualties 
that  I fear  you  must  encounter,  direct  your  steps  to 
the  borders  of  Moravia  and  Bohemia,  and  at  the  se- 
cure castle  of  the  lord  Zawis  you  will  find  congenial 
associations  and  cordial  welcome.  In  order  to  as- 
sure you  an  unquestioned  reception  present  this 
token.  It  was  the  cognizance  under  which  the  lord 
Zawis’  honored  father  fought  at  Remove  when  our 
brave  but  too  confiding  King  founded  Konigsberg,  and 
originated  a new  power  in  Europe.”  In  silence  the 
old  man  presented  to  Solomon  a small  silk  banner 
apparently  taken  from  a knight’s  lance.  The  colors 
were  white  and  red  in  parallel  bars,  the  white  above, 
and  in  the  center  was  emblazoned  in  embroidery  a 
black  eagle.  “I  fear  our  cognizance  has  been 


20 


THE  JOURNEY 


changed/^  added  the  old  man,  “but  if  you  will  quietly 
present  that  symbol  the  lord  Zawis  will  know  whence 
it  comes.  A member  of  my  family  is  there,  and  will 
gladly  hear  a message  from  hence.” 

Thereupon  he  dismissed  his  guests  with  a low 
obeisance. 


CHAPTER  11. 


THE  CAMP. 

^‘Truly  a noble  and  a reverend  veteran,’’  ex- 
claimed the  Jew  to  his  companion  when  they  had 
reached  a little  distance;  “and  a stout  one  too  in 
his  day,  I doubt  not.  Marked  you  his  erect  and 
sinewy  frame,  his  open  countenance,  his  eye,  round, 
full  and  fearless.^  It  would  be  strange  if  our  vener- 
able host  had  not  wielded  a trenchant  toledo  with 
Louis  at  Damietta  and  Mansoora.” 

“And  it  would  be  stranger  still,”  replied  his  com- 
panion, “if  the  same  toledo,  and  the  ambition  to 
wield  it  under  the  deceitful  suggestions  and  urgings 
that  goaded  men  to  assume  the  cross  in  those  days, 
were  not  the  cause  of  those  ruined  walls  and  that 
premature  decadence  of  fortune  which  has  brought 
the  old  man  to  what  he  is.  Not  the  love  of  Christ 
nor  yet  zeal  for  the  honor  of  his  sepulcher  has  dic- 
tated those  furious  paroxysms  of  insanity  that  have 
blinded  the  world  since  the  first  one  perhaps  honestly 
preached  by  the  Hermit.  Through  their  deadly  in- 
fluence nobles  have  been  pauperized  and  cities  en- 
slaved. Through  them  magistrates  have  been  abol- 
ished and  monasteries  substituted  for  them.  The 
widows  and  orphans  of  zealots  who  fell  beneath 
famine,  disease  and  the  sword  at  Antioch  and  Dory- 

21 


22 


THE  CAMP 


leum,  at  Odessa  and  Jerusalem,  have  perished  from 
want  on  their  own  land  and  in  their  own  homes, 
while  the  tonsured  spoiler  of  their  substance  reveled 
in  luxury  and  wantonness  in  those  rich  valleys  which 
the  unreasoning  fanaticism  of  their  possessors  left 
deserted,  to  be  the  spoil  of  the  grasping  hierarchy 
that  remained.  No  more  cunning  and  daring  plot 
for  the  plunder  of  princes  and  kingdoms  under  the 
guise  of  religion  has  ever  been  imposed  upon  man- 
kind.’’ 

The  Jew  regarded  his  companion  with  a thought- 
ful smile.  The  outburst  cf  indignant  feeling  that 
had  just  expended  itself  contrasted  strangely  with 
the  circumspection  that  had  hitherto  marked  the 
pilgrim,  as  he  styled  himself. 

“My  thanks  for  your  confidence,  brother;  it  shall 
not  be  abused.  I think  I could  find  parallels  in 
other  faiths  to  the  cruel  greediness  you  have  justly 
denounced.  Perhaps  mankind  has  not  yet  dis- 
covered the  Source  of  Life.  And  yet  the  essential 
constituent  of  enlightenment  necessarily  enters  into 
the  being  of  every  human  soul.  Men  who  dwell  ‘on 
the  face  of  the  whole  earth’  are  not  only  of  one  blood, 
but  of  an  identical  mental  constitution.  From  that 
boundless  and  eternal  unity  of  power  diffused  through 
all  the  range  of  being  all  things  are.  All  the  modes 
of  this  activity  are  itself  in  various  manifestations 
and  degrees.  The  unity  of  its  elements,  if  there  be 
such,  is  absolute,  and  there  can  be  no  dependence 
or  coercive  force.  Power  cannot  exist  without  in- 
strumentalities; and  those  in  which  it  clothes  itself 


THE  CAMP 


23 


are  suited  to  the  combinations  in  which  the  classes 
of  its  activities  are  conjoined  in  every  object.  The 
omnipresent  activity  conjoins  these  kinds  in  various 
proportions.  Hence  men  are  not  only  of  that  power, 
but  they  are  that  power  according  to  its  manifesta- 
tions in  each.  The  unity  of  all  being  is  eternal, 
immutable,  but  it  has  displayed  itself  alike  in  all 
ages.  The  diversities  of  combinations  and  results 
that  we  witness  in  this  age  spring  from  no  new  prin- 
ciple.’’ 

“The  power  you  speak  of,”  replied  the  pilgrim, 
“is  interpreted  to  us  as  the  omnipotent  Being  who 
diffuses  his  presence  everywhere,  and  by  his  fiat  calls 
all  things  that  are  into  the  being  that  he  confers  upon 
them.  He  bestows  gifts  on  men  for  their  eternal 
welfare  and  for  his  glory,  and  exacts  nothing  in  return 
but  their  trust  and  obedience.  He  purifies  and  exalts 
every  spirit  that  communes  with  him,  and  no  part 
of  his  works  is  deprived  of  the  tenderness  of  his 
love.” 

“The  perfection  of  a rational  soul,”  replied  the 
Jew,  “is  reached  when  it  becomes  a mirror  of  the 
universe;  when  the  unity  of  tendency  that  prevails  in 
the  universe  is  reflected  in  it.  All  activity  in  natural 
forces  is  towards  the  divine  tendencies  which  alone 
can  sustain  the  marvelous  manifestations  of  good 
that  are  everywhere.  Our  nature  is  thus  purified 
and  perfected  and  prepared  for  complete  reunion 
with  the  divine  essence.  But  stay,  who  and  what 
are  these 

At  an  elevated  point  of  the  road  about  *a  mile  or 


24 


THE  CAMP 


more  before  them,  a cloud  of  dust  suddenly  arose, 
and  in  the  midst  of  it  appeared  horsemen  riding 
furiously. 

The  travelers  hurriedly  turned  aside  into  the 
thickets,  and  worked  their  way  with  all  speed  in  an 
angular  direction  into  the  broken  forest.  Hiding 
among  some  rocks  where  horsemen  could  not  easily 
pursue,  they  waited  for  the  enemy,  if  they  should 
prove  such.  The  travelers  had  been  perceived,  for 
as  soon  as  the  horsemen  arrived  near  the  place  where 
they  had  been  seen  they  halted,  and  pointed  towards 
the  forest  with  loud  cries  and  threatening  gestures. 
They  were  a wild,  fierce,  dirty  and  forbidding  troop. 
The  small  snub  noses,  high  cheek  bones,  sunken 
fiery  eyes,  and  streaming  hair  of  Tartars  could  not 
be  mistaken.  They  wore  caps  of  sheepskin,  and 
brandished  long  spears  with  horse-hair  pennons. 
Their  saddle  was  a sheepskin  strapped  on  with  hide, 
and  between  this  saddle  and  the  horse  were  stretched 
strips  of  meat.  They  did  not  venture  into  the 
thickets,  and  soon  disappeared  again  along  the  road 
the  travelers  had  just  traversed. 

After  this  incident  the  wayfarers  advanced  with 
great  circumspection,  listening  for  every  sound,  and 
scanning  the  road  before  them  from  every  available 
point.  At  length  smoke  appeared  in  the  forest. 
Some  heavy,  lumbering  wagons  with  broad  wooden 
wheels,  each  consisting  of  two  solid  semi-circles  of 
wood  joined  and  fastened  together  with  thick  wooden 
pins,  were  drawn  up  on  the  edge  of  the  road,  and 
among  the  trees.  A long  series  of  smoldering  fires 


THE  CAMP 


25 


became  perceptible.  More  wagons,  oxen,  with  here 
and  there  a horseman, came  into  view,  and  the  neigh- 
borhood of  a camp  was  clearly  recognized.  Were 
they  friends  or  foesi’  became  a serious  question.  Turn- 
ing aside  again  into  the  forest,  the  strangers  cau- 
tiously felt  their  way  towards  the  skirts  of  the  camp. 
Looking  through  the  undergrowth,  they  perceived 
that  it  was  not  strictly  speaking  a military  encamp- 
ment they  had  reached,  but  rather  the  motley  equip- 
ment of  a crowd  of  men  and  women  apparently  ol 
the  lowest  and  most  ruffianly  character.  Groups  of 
half  ragged  men  lay  here  and  there,  apparently  in  a 
state  of  intoxication.  Some  low  sheltering  hovels 
of  branches  were  occupied  by  women  who  boro  over 
soiled  and  mean  raiment,  rich  shawls  and  velvets, 
brocades  of  costly  descriptions  which  the^  flaunted 
with  mock  dignity.  Scattered  here  and  there  were 
rich  saddles  and  pieces  of  armor.  Ir  one  place  a 
group  of  men  were  busily  examining  u chest  that 
had  been  broken  open,  and  holding  up  the  contents 
to  the  common  gaze.  Fine  linens,  silks  and  laces 
were  dragged  out  without  regard  to  value.  A pend- 
ant lamp  with  a chain  of  gold  was  reached  and  held 
up  with  a shout  of  savage  satisfaction.  A necklace 
of  pearls  created  another  pea^  of  hoarse  triumph, 
and  a small  casket  inlaid  with  ivory  and  silver  was 
fiercely  contended  for  by  the  coarse  and  vulgar 
crowd.  A party  of  ferocious  plunderers  had  been 
in  pursuit  of  spoil,  and  the  abodes  of  industry  and 
opulence  and  gentle  life  had  furnished  the  coveted 
booty.  Silver  coin  was  not  lacking,  for  handfuls  of 


26 


THE  CAMP 


large  pieces,  each  bearing  the  name  of  Otakar,  were 
offered  by  one  and  another  for  each  rich  prize  as 
soon  as  a possessor  had  violently  asserted  his  right 
of  seizure.  Garments  of  fur  covered  the  persons  of 
burly  robbers,  and  pelisses  of  white  and  scarlet  silk 
adorned  the  figures  of  abandoned  and  unkempt 
women. 

While  this  scene  was  being  watched  by  the  amazed 
strangers,  another  body  of  plunderers  reached  the 
camp  by  the  road  that  led  towards  the  March.  They 
brought  with  them  several  wagon  loads  of  household 
and  wardrobe  stuff,  and  sacks  of  meal,  with  meat 
and  cheese  and  wine  The  plunder  was  evidently 
only  beginning,  and  much  more  might  be  expected. 
With  special  glee  the  new-comers  exhibited  several 
chalices  of  silver,  patens  of  the  same  material,  and 
lamps  and  ecclesiastical  vestments.  In  gratification 
seemingly  of  especial  hatred,  the  chalices  were  flung 
on  the  ground  and  stamped  on.  As  this  procedure 
was  slow  and  ineffectual,  the  vessels  were  set  wher- 
ever a projecting  rock  was  found  and  pounded  with 
stone  until  all  shape  had  as  nearly  as  possible  dis- 
appeared. A coat  of  mail  formed  of  rings  and  with 
a Greek  cross  worked  of  steel  plates  on  the  breast 
was  adopted  by  a lusty  ruffian,  who  donned  the  manly 
garment  to  exhibit  it  in  mockery  to  the  crowd.  At 
length  the  wine  was  distributed,  and  a scene  of 
ghastly  hilarity  soon  ensued.  Through  want  of  ves- 
sels the  ruffians  employed  their  united  hands  held  to 
their  mouths  at  the  wrists,  and  had  the  costly  bever- 
age poured  thus  into  their  throats.  Rough  familiar- 


THE  CAMP 


27 


ity  speedily  led  to  quarreling,  and  much  of  the  rich 
garniture  that  decked  the  ruffians  was  torn  into 
shreds.  Blows  with  deadly  weapons  and  spear 
thrusts  followed,  and  the  plundered  victims  could 
have  witnessed  a large  measure  of  retaliation  had  they 
been  present.  At  length  a noise  of  horses  approach- 
ing at  the  gallop  became  audible,  and  our  horrified 
observers  recognized  the  same  Tartar  troop  return- 
ing from  their  reconnaissance.  They  bore  some 
trophies  of  iheir  visit.  One  carried  a crusader’s 
sword  and  helmet,  and  another  held  across  his  hcrse 
before  him  a bag  filled  with  plunder  recently  ac- 
quired. The  party  rode  up  to  a horseman  stationed 
on  the  road  in  front  of  the  camp,  and  having  seem- 
ingly made  their  report,  all  the  horsemen  in  the 
place,  Tartars  without  exception,  rode  off  towards 
the  March. 

“If  we  can  only  avoid  or  baffle  the  vagabonds  be- 
fore us,”  observed  Solomon  in  a low  tone,  “and 
reach  the  road  beyond,  we  may  be  able  to  advance 
another  stage.” 

“Your  resources  surpass  mine,”  returned  Pietro. 
“These  wretches  are  now  in  a dangerous  mood,  and 
no  little  skill  will  be  necessary  to  elude  them  by  the 
direct  road,  and  I see  no  other.” 

“A  little  wit  is  more  than  a match  for  a great  deal 
of  ruffianism,”  replied  Solomon,  “and  I think  I have 
seen  more  dangerous  customers  baffled.  We  will 
try  not  only  to  pass  along  our  journey,  but  to  se- 
cure perhaps  some  mementoes  to  prove  that  fools 
and  their  ill-gotten  wealth  can  be  easily  parted. 


28 


THE  CAMP 


We  cannot  appeal  to  any  sentiment  of  good  in  these 
wretches.  Greed  is  their  actuating  passion,  and  by 
the  same  passion  can  they  as  well  as  other  men  be 
circumvented.’’ 

The  Jew  then  sought  out  a straight  slight  sapling 
of  oak.  It  was  not  readily  found,  but  after  consid- 
erable search  one  sufficient  for  his  purpose  was  dis- 
covered. The  bark  was  all  stripped  off  carefully,  leav- 
ing the  white  surface  of  the  inner  sapwood  smooth 
and  shining.  It  was  cut  to  about  five  feet  in  length. 
Then  advancing  cautiously  through  the  woods  to- 
wards the  contentious  crowd, the  Jew  suddenly  walked 
up  to  the  nearest  group,  waving  his  wand  with  the 
air  of  a necromancer.  Being  too  intent  on  their  own 
disputes  to  notice  the  approach  of  the  strangers,  the 
ruffians  stood  astonished.  The  Jew  promptly  drew  a 
circle  around  the  group  on  the  ground  with  his  wand; 
then  pointing  with  the  wand  towards  the  east,  and 
drawing  circles  through  the  air,  he  muttered  half 
aloud  some  Arabic  jargon  wholly  unintelligible  to 
his  auditors.  Astonishment  and  curiosity  strongly 
mingled  with  superstitious  fear  produced  perfect 
quiet.  Again  waving  his  wand  over  the  heads  of  the 
crowd,  and  bringing  it  near  to  one  and  another  with- 
out permitting  it  to  touch,  and  pointing  to  the  plun- 
der lying  around,  he  signified  by  gestures  that  they 
must  allow  it  to  remain  where  it  was  until  the  dis- 
tribution could  be  accomplished  by  divination.  At 
this  moment  a luckless  dog  approached  from  the 
road.  The  dog  was  still  more  luckless  in  being 
black.  Pointing  to  the  wretched,  starving  quadruped 


THE  CAMP 


29 


with  an  earnest  gesture  with  one  hand,  the  Jew 
raised  his  wand  to  heaven,  at  the  same  time  obliter- 
ating a portion  of  the  circle,  and  at  once  the  wretches 
rushed  upon  the  dog  and  speedily  cut  its  throat,  and 
hung  the  carcass  to  a pole  placed  upright.  Signify- 
ing then  that  a fire  should  be  kindled,  the  Jew  pointed 
to  the  plunder  and  directed  it  to  be  collected.  He 
was  obeyed.  All  this  time  he  stood  with  his  wand 
uplifted,  his  eyes  turned  toward  heaven  and  uttering 
in  a hoarse  voice  powerful  incantations  in  Arabic, 
and  when  the  fire  was  well  kindled,  selecting  two  of 
the  least  intoxicated  in  the  crowd  by  a touch  of  his 
wand,  they  quickly  flayed  the  dog  and  the  carcass 
passed  rapidly  over  the  fire.  The  limbs  were  torn 
asunder,  and  each  portion  again  purified  with  fire. 
The  sacred  morsels  were  then  passed  around,  and 
every  man  tasted  a portion.  It  was  the  oath  of  their 
sacrament.  Eacti  portion  of  the  accumulated  prop- 
erty was  then  distributed.  The  Jew’s  keen  eye  dis- 
cerned the  most  influential  and  the  most  sober.  Di- 
viding and  distributing  according  to  his  judgment, 
each  man’s  share  was  apportioned,  the  Jew  and  his 
companion  reserving  only  a small  enameled  casket 
inlaid  on  the  cover  with  a diademed  head,  the  casket 
being  of  very  beautiful  and  ancient  Greek  workman- 
ship. “Within  we  shall  assuredly  find  enough  to 
content  ourselves  with,”  he  said  aside  to  his  com- 
panion. Then  spreading  out  his  arms  and  waving 
his  wand,  uttering  aloud  his  parting  invocation,  the 
Jew  beckoned  to  his  partner  and  both  rapidly  passed 
on  before  their  astonished  congregation  had  time  to 


30 


THE  CAMP 


combine  their  stupefied  senses  in  the  least  opposition 
or  remonstrance.  During  the  performance  of  this 
comedy  Solomon  took  care  to  adopt  looks  and 
gestures  as  emphatic  as  possible.  He  raised  his 
loose  robe  and  spread  it  as  wide  es  possible, and  with 
his  tall  figure,  full  and  flowing  beard,  and  impassioned 
gesticulation,  he  really  seemed  to  be  the  magician  he 
pretended  to  be. 

Pietro  regarded  his  companion  with  a feeling  akin 
to  apprehension.  ‘‘Oh,  be  comforted,  my  brother,” 
exclaimed  Solomon;  “I  told  you  a little  presence  of 
mind  was  better  than  a sword  and  buckler.  Ah, 
my  brother,  the  ceaseless  energy  that  pervades  all 
nature  is  especially  active  in  the  soul  advancing 
towards  perfection.  The  more  uninterrupted  this 
vital  action  in  any  being,  the  more  potent  will  its 
manifestations  be.  We  cannot  ourselves  resist  that 
universal  vitality  of  which  we  are  manifested  ele- 
ments. Much  less  can  these  wretches  resist  it.” 

“Then  there  must  be  imperfections,  or  vacant 
spaces,  in  the  diffused  influences  you  mention,”  slyly 
interposed  Pietro.  “Had  we  remained  longer  among 
them  we  might  have  discovered  that  this  activity  is 
capable  of  manifesting  itself  in  methods  neither  re- 
freshing nor  ethical. 

“But  pardon  my  apparent  intrusiveness,”  he  added  ; 
“from  what  source  have  you  acquired  the  sort  of 
ceremonial  which  you  practiced  but  awhile  ago.^” 

“From  no  source  whatever,  but  the  sensitiveness 
as  to  my  surroundings  which  arises  from  the  related 
activity  I have  described.  Ah,”  added  Solomon, 


THE  CAMP 


81 


^^the  world  has  been  darkened  and  corrupted  by  so- 
called  revelations  until  it  is  filled  with  cruelty.  In 
these  corrupt  days,  brother,  a black  cat,  a brindle 
cock,  a brown  toad,  a black  dog,  a few  rags,  craven 
credulity  on  one  side,  and  audacity' on  the  other, 
and  you  have  all  the  elemental  paraphernalia  of  a 
necromancer  or  a priest.” 

Then  drawing  the  small  casket  from  his  robe, 
‘‘Let  us  be  seated,”  he  said,  “and  see  what  memorial 
we  possess.”  The  wayfarers  withdrew  a little  from 
the  road,  and  being  seated  out  of  view  of  passers  by, 
the  Jew  looked  intently  at  the  casket.  The  cover 
bore  an  inlaid  portrait  with  a Greek  imperial  dia- 
dem. The  miniature  was  formed  entirely  of  ivory 
and  precious  stones  surrounded  by  interlacing  scroll- 
work. In  a corner  was  a Greek  cross  with  a small 
pearl  in  the  center.  Beneath  the  miniature  were  the 
letters  M.  III.,  but  there  was  no  date.  Solomon 
pointed  out  these  details  to  Pietro,  commenting  on 
each  separately.  “I  cannot  at  this  moment  recall 
the  prince  who  is  probably , here  represented,”  he 
said.  “But  the  casket  is  of  ancient  date.  It  is 
long  since  workmanship  equally  skillful  has  come  to 
my  notice  even  from  Constantinople.  There  was  an 
Emperor  Michael  the  Third,  but  I do  not  now  asso- 
ciate his  name  with  any  event  connected  with  these 
regions.  He  never  exercised  jurisdiction  here,  nor 
did  any  other  Greek  sovereign.  These  countries 
were  scarcely — if  at  all — within  the  empire  of  East- 
ern Rome.” 

“I  have  understood,”  replied  Pietro,  “that  the 


32  THE  CAMP 

Slavonian  people  were  long  identified  with  Constan- 
tinople, and  that  it  was  from  her  care  that  the  first 
Christian  teachers  were  derived.  They  arrived  here 
after  the  middle  of  the  ninth  century,  and  if  my 
reading  has  been  correct  Michael  IIL  wore  the  tiara 
at  that  date.” 

“You  may  be  correctly  informed,”  replied  Solo- 
mon. “Let  us  examine  the  contents  if  any.”  After 
some  examination  the  casket  was  opened  by  a spring 
carefully  concealed  in  the  carvings  of  the  front  face. 
The  box  was  lined  with  purple  silk,  embroidered  on 
the  inside  of  the  cover  with  the  motto, 
aoe:a  en  rwi:ETOi:s  OEn  . 

The  covered  casket  only  contained  a cross  of 
ivory,  inlaid  with  a large  pearl  at  the  intersection 
of  the  arms.  There  were  no  carvings  whatever. 
This  simple  article  was  wrapped  in  silk.  Under- 
neath were  the  fragments  of  an  ancient  parchment. 
The  edges  of  the  several  portions  were  frayed  and 
worn,  and  no  arrangement  could  make  the  original 
complete.  The  fragments  were  covered  with  Greek 
writing,  nearly  defaced,  all  discolored  by  frequent 
handling  and  illegible  except  some  separate  charac- 
ters. Replacing  all  as  they  had  been,  the  Jew  handed  the 
casket  to  his  companion,  saying:  “Take  your  choice, 
brother.”  Pietro  took  the  articles  and  looked  at  them 
long  and  carefully.  “It  is  difficult  to  choose,”  he 
said  at  last,  “especially  as  the  treasure  by  right  is  at 
your  disposal.  But  whatever  I select,  with  your 
permission,  I promise  to  restore  to  the  owner  if  ever 
he  shall  be  discovered.  I make  no  difficulty  in  res- 
cuing this  much  from  the  ruffians  who  had  seized  it.” 


THE  CAMP 


33 


‘‘The  emblem  is  more  appropriate  to  you/'  ex- 
claimed the  Jew.  “For  my  part,  I make  the  same 
promise  as  to  the  casket  itself.  There  will  be,  I 
fear,  little  probability  that  the  wretches  who  stole 
these  things  left  many  to  claim  ownership  of  what 
they  grasped.” 

Pietro  deposited  the  cross  within  his  vesture,  and 
Solomon  placed  the  casket  carefully  in  his  wallet. 

This  formal  ceremony  being  completed,  they  re- 
sumed their  journey,  after  enjoying  a portion  of  the 
provision  generously  supplied  to  them  by  their  ven- 
erable host  of  the  preceding  night. 

After  advancing  some  distance  in  silence,  the  Jew 
suddenly  halted.  “Do  you  not  hear  a strange  sound 
from  before  us,”  he  asked,  “or  is  it  in  my  own  ear.? 
Have  I become  troubled  with  extra  sensitiveness  that 
has  excited  my  hearing  unnaturally,  and  created  the 
resemblance  of  sounds  where  there  are  none.?  There 
are  those  who  would  explain  my  sensation  by  the 
motions  of  the  whirring  wings  of  spiritual  visitants 
to  this  lower  sphere.  But  I have  communed  with 
nature  through  her  operations,  and  especially  those 
manifested  in  the  phenomena  of  our  own  share  in 
the  universal  activities,  too  long  to  be  thus  deluded. 
I have  searched  into  the  methods  by  which  vital 
action  is  transmitted  through  our  own  frame,  and  it 
is  not  necessary  to  have  recourse  to  hallucinations 
outside  the  workings  of  our  own  constituent  mem- 
bers, as  they  are  necessarily  acted  on  by  the  percepti- 
ble world  around  us.”  Both  men  stood  and  listened, 
and  as  they  did  so  an  arrow  whizzed  past  them  and 


34 


THE  CAMP 


was  lost  in  the  bushes  beside  the  way.  Both  men 
threw  themselves  on  the  ground  and  were  quickly 
surrounded  by  a band  of  wild-looking  marauders  ap- 
parently of  different  nationalities,  European,  Asiatic, 
and  some  half  one  and  half  the  other.  The  wrists 
of  the  travelers  were  roughly  bound  with  raw  hide, 
and  escorted  by  a motley  guard  of  Tartars  and  Mag- 
yars they  were  marched  forward  at  the  lance’s  point. 
Crossing  an  elevation  in  the  road,  the  party  came 
right  in  view  of  a regular  military  encampment  ex- 
tending widely  on  both  sides  of  the  road  before 
them.  The  escort  formed  but  a small  part  of  the 
troop  concealed  among  the  thickets.  From  time  to 
time  a blow  or  a thrust  from  the  butt  of  a lance 
quickened  the  pace  of  the  prisoners  even  when  speed 
had  not  diminished.  Their  captors  seemed  deter- 
mined to  maltreat  them,  with  or  without  cause.  A 
rapid  pace  was  kept  up  for  a few  miles,  and  the  pris- 
oners were  almost  choked  with  dust  and  thirst.  At 
length  the  line  of  the  camp  itself  was  reached,  and 
the  party  halted.  Solomon  and  Pietro  were  dis- 
figured with  the  coarsest  travel  stains.  After  the 
leader  of  the  troop  had  reported  to  an  officer  stationed 
further  on,  the  prisoners  were  conducted  within  the 
lines  of  the  camp  and  on  to  headquarters.  Here 
were  drawn  up  fully  one  thousand  men,  of  dif- 
ferent nationalities,  largely  Magyar,  and  included 
about  two  hundred  Tartar  horse.  The  entire  force 
was  commanded  by  a Knight  in  full  armor,  with 
several  esquires  around  him.  The  prisoners  were 
at  once  conducted  into  the  presence  of  this  officer. 


THE  CAMP 


35 


Solomon  and  Pietro  advanced  with  head  erect  and 
calm  and  respectful  demeanor.  The  officer  raised 
'his  hand  slightly,  as  if  in  astonishment,  but  promptly 
suppressed  all  symptoms  of  his  emotion.  Solomon 
too  looked  fixedly,  but  made  no  sign.  “Let  these 
men  be  secured  until  I shall  have  occasion  to  ques- 
tion  them,”  was  the  order.  “Have  they  been  taken 
with  weapons.^^”  inquired  the  officer,  at  once  divining 
a reason  for  leniency.  The  reply  being  in  the  neg- 
ative,— “Then  let  their  bonds  be  removed  and  let 
water  and  food  be  supplied.” 

Solomon  and  Pietro  were  conducted  to  a hut  that 
seemed  to  have  belonged  to  a swineherd.  Here  a 
scanty  supply  of  coarse  bread,  and  a gourd  of  water 
were  furnished  them,  several  skins  of  the  liquid  be- 
ing placed  on  a wagon  and  covered  with  a rough 
awning  of  branches.  But  the  water  was  muddy  and 
disagreeable.  The  prisoners  thankfully  removed  the 
dust  that  had  begrimed  them,  and  enjoyed  the 
shade  and  rest.  After  an  hour  they  were  summoned 
into  the  presence  of  the  commanding  officer,  who 
demanded  in  very  bad  German  if  either  of  them  un- 
derstood anything  of  medicine.  Solomon  replied  in 
a mixture  of  Arabic  and  Spanish  that  he  had  ac- 
quired some  knowledge  of  the  art  of  healing  and  had 
practiced  it.  “Several  of  my  men,”  replied  the 
officer  in  broad  Spanish,  “have  been  wounded  in  a 
skirmish,  and  your  services  on  their  behalf  would 
be  acceptable.  But  beware,”  he  added,  “hov/  any 
malpractice  becomes  mingled  with  your  proceedings. 
Instant  death  will  result  from  the  least  deviation 
from  prescribed  rules.” 


36 


THE  CAMP 


In  what  way  the  deviation  alluded  to  should  be 
ascertained,  and  by  whom  decided,  and  to  what  de- 
gree of  deviation,  and  in  which  application  of  the 
healer’s  art,  were  questions  not  determined,  and  Sol- 
omon was  again  master  of  the  situation.  ‘‘This  man 
is  your  attendant,  Sir  Esculapius,  I presume,”  said 
the  officer;  “let  him  attend  you,  but  I hold  you  re- 
sponsible for  his  conduct  as  well  as  himself.”  Sir 
Esculapius  was  conducted  to  a low  black  tent  where 
lay  several  Magyars,  Poles  and  Tartars,  and  one  or 
two  Germans. 

Their  ailments  were  simply  flesh  wounds,  but  a lit- 
tle attention  was  obviously  very  necessary.  The 
wounds  were  washed  and  bandaged  and  the  tem^ 
porary  hospital  put  to  rights.  Solomon  and  Pietro 
proceeded  to  collect  and  prepare  what  remedies  were 
procurable,  and  none  dared  dispute  their  authority. 
“A  little  wit,  my  brother,  is  better  than  a spear  and 
buckler,”  gravely  remarked  the  Surgeon  General  of 
the  department. 


CHAPTER  III. 


THE  BATTLE, 

Solomon  and  Pietro  had  disposed  their  patients  in 
as  comfortable  a position  as  the  rude  surroundings 
would  permit,  and  had  taken  a few  hours’  much 
needed  rest,  when  an  esquire  with  a Spanish  Arab 
countenance  presented  himself  at  the  door  of  the 
hospital  where  Solomon  and  Pietro  still  reposed. 
Gently  waking  the  sleepers,  he  announced  his  errand. 
It  was  simply  to  examine  and  report.  Shortl)^  after 
his  disappearance  he  returned  and  stated  in  Spanish 
that  his  commanding  officer  desired  an  interview 
with  the  physician  stranger  and  his  attendant.  “You 
will  be  allowed  an  interval  for  reflection,”  he  said, 
“and  I am  to  admonish  you  to  be  candid;  for  Don 
Abraham  is  not  to  be  trifled  with.  Follow  me.” 
The  strangers  were  ordered  to  remain  in  the  shade 
of  a tree  in  a space  otherwise  open.  The  day  had 
not  yet  dawned;  and  all  around  was  comparatively 
hushed.  Solomon  placed  his  fingers  lightly  on  his 
companion’s  arm,  saying:  “Be  as  silent  as  possible, 
brother,  and  in  all  matters  touching  this  questioning 
refer  to  me  as  the  person  from  whom  you  receive 
orders.  I think  I perceive  a rift  in  the  cloud,  and 
a familiar  star  shining  beyond  it.  From  the  relation 

H7 


38 


THE  BATTLE 


of  that  Star  to  others  not  yet  perceptible  I shall  be 
better  able  to  infer  my  position.  Some  data  for  my 
calculations  are  not  yet  at  hand,  and  it  must  be  my 
business  to  acquire  them.’’  The  Jew  then  relapsed 
into  silence.  After  an  interval  the  commanding 
officer  approached,  accompanied  by  two  esquires,  one 
the  same  who  already  appeared,  and  another  of 
swarthy  yellow  complexion,  bearing  in  one  hand  a 
tablet  consisting  of  separate  leaves  of  semi-trans- 
parent whitish  paper,  and  in  another  a reed  pen  and 
a small  cup  containing  a sponge  soaked  in  ink. 

‘‘Whence  come  you.^”  abruptly  inquired  Don  Abra- 
ham. “From  Cordova, or  rather  from  the  remnant  of 
it,”  promptly  replied  Solomon.  “Your  business .J”’ 
“Physician  and  student  of  nature.”  “Your  purpose 
in  this  journeying.?”  “The  acquisition  of  potent  wis- 
dom which  the  bounty  of  universally  diffused  life 
and  activity,  and  intelligence  of  the  laws  and  quali- 
ties of  plants  supplies  to  those  of  my  profession 
whose  nature  is  in  harmony  with  their  manifestations 
and  can  assimilate  their  vitalizing  influences.”  “Are 
you  acquainted  in  these  countries.?”  “There  are 
some  brethren  some  time  resident  among  the  Lech. 
Them  I would  visit  in  order  to  convey  to  my  own 
land  the  results  of  development  attained  by  them, 
and  possibly  convey  to  their  intelligence  the  results 
that  have  been  manifested  to  us.”  “Search  these 
men,”  ordered  Don  Abraham.  The  esquire  examined 
the  raiment  of  the  strangers  carefully,  but  without 
offensive  minuteness.  Solomon  was,  however,  re- 
quired to  remove  his  semi-turban,  which  suffered 


THE  BATTLE 


39 


somewhat  in  consequence  of  the  investigation. 
The  small  casket  was  produced  by  Solomon  volun- 
tarily and  held  openly  in  his  hand.  No  weapons  or 
correspondence  was  discovered.  The  box  was  or- 
dered opened  to  reveal  concealed  poison, if  any  there 
should  be.  “What  are  these  papers.?”  inquired  Don 
Abraham,  looking  at  the  ancient  parchment  frag- 
ments. “No  physician  travels  without  the  mysteries 
of  his  art,”  replied  the  Jew  gravely.  The  investi- 
gation of  Pietro  produced  only  the  ivory  cross,  and 
Don  Abraham  professed  to  hold  that  symbol  in 
sufficient  veneration  to  accept  it  as  testimony  of  the 
harmlessness  of  his  prisoners.  These  details  were 
inscribed  in  due  form,  and  Don  Abraham  subscribed 
them  with  a flourish,  complex  and  intricate,  and  then 
his  full  name  underneath, — “Don  Abraham  Abouya- 
coub,”  in  Latin  characters,  that  partook  of  as  close* 
similarity  to  Arabic  in  formation  as  the  simpler  Latin 
could  well  assume.  “You  are  dismissed  for  the 
present,”  he  said,  “but  without  orders  you  are  not 
permitted  to  quit  this  camp.”  The  attendants  then 
retired  and  Don  Abraham,  quickly  turning  towards  the 
strangers,  signified  by  an  emphatic  gesture  his  request 
that  Solomon  and  Pietro  remain  where  they  were. 
They  accordingly  seated  themselves  and  waited.  At 
this  moment  the  camp  was  quiet.  Only  the  lone 
flame  of  a few  scattered  fires  gave  any  light  above 
the  somber  gloom  of  the  forest.  Within  a very  brief 
time  a quiet  figure  arrayed  in  a dark  robe  thrown  over 
his  armor  quickly  approached.  A few  words  in  Ara- 
bic in  a low  tone  speedily  announced  Don  Abraham 
himself, 


40 


THE  BATTLE 


“Let  US  withdraw  to  a more  sheltered  place/^ 
he  said.  Without  another  word  the  three  retired 
towards  the  rear  of  the  camp  and  seated  them- 
selves in  the  deeper  shade  caused  by  a smouldering 
fire  at  the  opposite  side  of  some  bushes.  “Here  we 
shall  be  unobserved/^  said  Don  Abraham.  “No  in- 
trusion need  be  feared,  and  those  around  are  only  too 
glad  of  repose.’’ 

“You  may  well  feel  surprised  at  this  renewal  of  our  . 
acquaintance,”  said  the  officer.  “I  on  my  part  felt 
astonished  and  perhaps  slightly  embarrassed.  The 
circumstances  of  the  time  and  the  harsh  nature  of 
my  present  service  had  almost  convinced  me  that 
strangers  would  carefully  avoid  making  acquaintance 
with  this  neighborhood.  But  I am  glad  of  the  op- 
portunity to  renew  our  personal  associations.  Per- 
• mit  me  first  to  express  my  thanks  for  the  wisdom  of 
your  replies  to  my  interrogations.  The  necessity  of 
attendance  to  the  wounded  afforded  me  sufficient 
reason  to  defer  the  examination  until  you  had  ob- 
tained some  rest.  A battle  is  imminent  and  your 
services  will  certainly  be  needed.  As  you  clearly 
perceived,  my  questions  were  harsher  in  tone  than 
intent.  Bear  you  pleasant  tidings  from  the  scenes  of 
our  former  prosperity 

“Your  highness  was  far  less  astonished  than  myself 
at  our  meeting,”  replied  Solomon.  “You  had  disap- 
peared so  completely  from  observation  that  we  may 
be  pardoned  for  tacitly  assuming  that  you  had  com- 
mingled with  the  eternal  essence  which  had  in  such 
large  ruQasure  diffused  itself  through  your  forefathers 


THE  BATTLE 


41 


and  kindred.  The  tempest  of  disordered  motion 
daily  grows  more  subversive  about  us,  and  but  little 
that  is  progressive  toward  the  happy  consummation 
is  experienced  by  your  brethren  or  mine,” 

‘T  would  hear,  if  you  object  not,  some  of  the  most 
recent  events  which  have  troubled  our  once  peaceful 
paradise  in  the  South.  The  years  I have  passed  in 
Rudolph’s  service  have  neither  drawn  me  closer  to 
him  than  at  first,  nor  increased  my  taste  for  the  po- 
sition assigned  to  me.  He  is  surrounded  with  men 
determined  to  accomplish  in  these  countries  the 
same  task,  even  against  those  who  profess  the  same 
faith  as  themselves,  that  they  have  thus  far  perfected 
in  the  happy  homes  of  our  fathers.  A violent  sub- 
version of  ancient  and  honored  laws,  the  suppres- 
sion of  a reasonable  and  enlightened  philosophy,  and 
the  overthrow  of  a Christian  Kingdom  are  marked 
out  by  them.  It  is  not  the  name  of  Christ  that  they 
revere,  but  their  own  sort  of  Christ,  and  one,  as  I 
am  assured,  very  different  from  the  real  one.” 

‘‘Permit  me  to  reply  to  your-  highness’  interroga- 
tion,” replied  Solomon.  “After  King  Mohammed 
Alahmar  had  consented  to  renounce  the  chiefs  of 
what  was  denominated  the  rebellion,  thirteen  years 
ago,  and  had  thus  consigned  many  princes  to  exile, 
and  after  repeated  promises  given  by  the  Christians, 
that  tlie  ancient  liberty  ot  cult,  of  taxes  and  of 
customs  should  be  re-established  among  the  still 
numerous  body  of  your  countrymen  and  mine, the  en- 
gagements thus  made  have  been  persistently  and 
malignantly  broken.  Under  solemn  covenants  the 


42 


THE  BATTLE 


city  where  your  father  had  become  entitled  to  royal 
authority  opened  its  gates.  These  matters  you  will 
remember.  Since  the  distribution  of  lands  was  com- 
pleted and  a wall  of  separation  divided  the  Moriscoes 
of  Murcia  from  their  persistent  persecutors,  your 
brethren  in  the  villages  and  country  places  have 
been  the  objects  of  unceasing  malevolence.  Daily 
insults  and  frauds  deprive  them  of  their  just 
share,  and  no  redress  for  the  most  wanton  injuries 
is  extended.  Valencia  has  been  consigned  to  the 
operation  of  a relentless  succession  of  bitter  outrages 
under  the  direct  instigation  of  the  Roman  disturber 
by  peremptory  orders  to  Don  Jayme;  and  the  same 
spirit  is  manifested  everywhere.  I regret  to  antici- 
pate that  little  will  be  left  to  your  highness  but  an 
empty  dignity  as  king,  and  a depleted  exchequer  as 
a sovereign.  But  if  you  should  carry  into  effect 
your  once  meditated  design  of  identifying  yourself 
with  what  seemed  the  universal  tendency  towards 
chief  control  of  our  native  lahd  by  the  Christians,  and 
the  cross  should  become  your  symbol  also,  permit 
me  to  express  a warning  that  this  step  will  not  ex- 
tricate you  from  the  perilous  descent  to  the  extinc- 
tion of  your  dynasty.  Your  fathers  fought  nobly 
for  the  independence  of  Cordova,  and  the  philoso- 
phers of  your  race  added  luster  to  its  halls  of  learn- 
ing. But  a new  tendency  is  assuming  chief  control 
and  I fear  that  still  more  evil  days  are  inevitable.” 

‘^Accept  my  thanks  for  your  candor,  my  excellent 
friend,”  returned  Don  Abraham;  ‘‘should  the  events 
now  commencing  in  this  region  not  proceed  as  you 


THE  BATTLE 


43 


at  least  and  your  friend  here  would  desire,  it  may 
become  my  duty  to  accept  the  lot  of  sharing  with 
my  brethren  the  evil  of  the  present,  as  I and  my 
ancestors  have  shared  with  them  the  glories  of  the 
past.” 

‘‘Permit  me  now  in  turn,”  observed  Solomon,  “to 
request  of  your  highness  some  illumination  in  regard 
to  the  countries  immediately  before  us.  I would  as- 
certain, if  possible,  if  there  be  favorable  reasons  for 
searching  among  the  Lech,  and  Tchekh  an  asylum 
of  retreat  from  the  remorseless  inhumanities  that  are 
destroying  us.  We  would  willingly  surrender  digni- 
ties to  our  persecutors.  We  seek  but  a habitation 
and  an  industry.  Even  these  primary  necessities  are 
denied  us.  Your  brethren  and  mine,  highness,  have 
always  dwelt  together  in  amity,  and  the  Christians 
within  our  borders  enjoyed  our  aid  and  sympathy, 
and  all  the  benefit  that  our  science,  our  commerce, 
and  our  progress  could  confer.  To  their  credit  be 
it  said,  they  dwelt  with  us  in  harmony  and  brotherly 
security^  Even  their  bishops  participated  in  our 
studies,  adopted  our  sentiments,  and  lent  their  tal- 
ents to  the  development  of  our  intellectual  life.  But 
the  lust  of  Roman  conquest  has  assumed  new  weap- 
ons, and  nourishes  itself  with  the  blood  of  its  victims. 
Old  Rome  aimed  to  transform;  new  Rome  thirsts 
only  to  destroy.” 

“Should  the  purposes  of  your  journey  detain  you 
long,  or  conduct  you  far  into  these  countries,”  said 
Don  Abraham,  “your  observation  may  in  part,  at 
least,  correct  the  views  I must  express  in  reply  to 


44 


THE  BATTLE 


your  interrogation.  The  increasing  feebleness  of 
Constantinople,  the  decline  of  her  elasticity  of  spirit 
as  a result  of  the  puerile  investigations,  dreamy  dis- 
putes, and  narrow  tone  of  her  literature,  as  well  as 
the  audacity  and  practical  researches  into  real  things 
which  signalize  her  enemies  from  without,  and  the 
diversion  of  the  attention  of  western  Europe  to  the 
dreams  of  a new  kingdom  in  Palestine,  have  enabled 
the  ambition  of  Rome  to  direct  men’s  energies  from 
the  wise  investigation  of  the  world  that  encircles 
and  sustains  us,  to  a vicious  subjective  gratification 
of  the  passion  for  power  in  the  realm  of  superstitious 
mastery  of  one  set  of  modern  fancies  over  another 
set  of  fancies.  This  gratification  being  designedly 
mixed  up  with  intoxicating  dreams  about  an  unseen 
world,  where  this  same  vicious  subjective  passion  is 
expected  to  have  an  unlimited  and  eternal  exercise, 
has  stimulated  men  under  crafty  counsels  to  the 
madness  of  wanton  destruction  of  tangible  wealth 
and  means  of  progress.’^ 

“I  observe  with  satisfaction  that  your  highness  has 
not  forgotten  the  principles  of  Sora  and  Cordova,’’ 
observed  Solomon. 

‘^Permit  me  to  proceed,”  added  Don  Abraham. 
^‘This  spirit  has  infected  princes  and  emperors. 
Obedience  to  it  has  been  made  the  price  for  the  aid 
of  the  coarse  multitude  to  those  ambitious  aspirants 
who  would  bow  to  Beelzebub  for  a throne  or  a prin- 
cipality. The  multitude  always  favors  the  intoxi- 
cation supplied  by  appeals  to  the  imagination;  and 
pmits  the  investigation  of  details  on  which  all  pro- 


THE  BATTLE 


45 


gress  in  civilization  has  been  and  must  be  founded. 
These  combined  forces  are  united  in  the*  spirit  that 
directs  the  proceedings  whereof  our  present  surround- 
ings form  a part.  Some  of  these  principles  apply  to 
one  side  and  some  to  the  other.  The  countries  be- 
yond us  are  agitated  by  this  new  spirit  which  has 
long  been  in  contention  with  the  older  one  that  ex- 
pressed itself  in  native  efforts  at  patriotism  more  or 
less  wise.  The  collision  has  attained  its  extreme  of 
violence  on  the  scene  where  we  now  find  ourselves. 
It  is  not  two  men,  nor  even  two  ambitions  or  dynasties, 
that  contend  in  this  vicinity.  The  old  investigating 
philosophy  and  the  new  superstition  are  the  real 
antagonists.  It  is  the  realm  of  reason  and  reason- 
ableness in  contention  with  the  factitious  fear  that 
begets  ferocity, that  meet  on  this  battle-ground  That 
is  what  I regard  as  the  issue  now  pending  in  close 
proximity  to  where  we  are  seated. 

“Rudolph  is  not  ignorant  of  the  real  nature  of  the 
contest,  or  who  is  the  real  commander-in-chief. 
He  takes  his  orders  from  Rome.  He  is  poor;  he  is 
ambitious,  restless  in  temper;  and  he  regards  the 
blinding  power  of  the  superstitious  imagination  as 
at  present  the  stronger  party,  and  therefore  the  more 
useful  ally.  He  has  made*  his  contract  accordingly. 
If  I have  not  forgotten  the  school  of  Sora  I would 
add  that  this  determination  springs  from  a fixed  na- 
ture which  will  descend  to  Rudolph’s  line.  Otakar 
has  been  stung  to  indignation  and  imprudence  by  the 
duplicity  of  his  former  friend  of  Rome,  and  the  sub- 
tle craft  of  his  imperial  antagonist.  The  Tchekh 


46 


THE  BATTLE 


nation  is  an  obstacle  to  the  universal  dominion  of 
Rome  in  this,  direction ; and  their  subversion  by  all 
evil  means  has  been  determined  on.  Rudolph  has 
sustained  Otakar’s  own  subjects  in  their  resistance 
to  h^’s  authority  as  their  king,  as  I personally  know. 
Imperial  requirements  are  the  pretext ; but  the  Roman 
and  the  German  confederates  are  fully  cognizant  of 
the  real  causes  of  the  dissension.  Otakar  was  sus- 
tained and  encouraged  by  the  duplicity  of  Rome  un- 
til he  had  irretrievably  committed  himself.  Should 
he  fall— and  as  I know  and  honor  the  man  he  will 
either  fall  or  win — you  would  be  wise  to  seek  some 
other  asylum  than  can  be  found  in  the  Tchekh  do- 
minion. If  I mistake  not,  your  friend  is  of  those  dis- 
persed people  who  have  found  a refuge  in  these 
countries,  from  other  parts  of  Europe,  on  account  of 
divergence  from  the  sentiments  claimed  by  Rome  as 
peculiarly  hers,  and  most  deserving  of  regard  on  that 
account.  These  people  have  readily  assimilated 
themselves  with  the  general  sentiment  prevailing 
among  the  native  inhabitants.  Their  prudence  and 
their  industry  are  alike  commendable.  Personally 
remaining  distinct,  and  still  avoiding  public  notice, 
their  sentiments  find  ready  acquiescence  among  the 
populations  whose  patriotic  feeling  and  old  associ- 
ations with  the  Eastern  Empire  find  a common  ex- 
pression in  antagonism  to  Roman  encroachment. 
Their  numbers  are  far  greater  than  generally  sup- 
posed. Otakar  has  silently  countenanced  them; 
and  the  Lech  princes  have  usually  protected  and  en- 
couraged their  establishments.  Many  new  and  prom- 


THE  BATTLE 


47 


ising  villages  are  wholly  of  their  construction,  and 
the  wastes  created  by  Tartar  atrocities  have  been 
reclaimed  and  beautified  by  their  peaceful  industry.. 
See,”  added  Don  Abrahdm,  holding  up  a small  vol- 
ume, “your  friend  is  not  the  first  of  his  fraternity 
who  has  visited  this  camp,  and  Rudolph’s  own  tent 
has  been  supplied  by  a mysterious  hand  with  a token 
of  the  prudent  courage  of  these  people.” 

“Does  your  highness  speak  of  a combat  as  now  im- 
minent?” asked  Solomon. 

“The  lines  are  now  formed  on  both  sides,”  added 
Don  Abraham;  “and  this  is  likely  to  be  an  eventful 
day  for  a brave  but  contentious  and  divided  people, 
and  an  ancient  and  valiant  dynasty.  Should  Ru- 
dolph fall  or  be  discomfited  the  result  must  be  only 
temporary.” 

“Can  your  highness  estimate  the  numbers  on  either 
side.^”  asked  the  Jew. 

“It  is  difficult  on  our  side  at  least,”  said  the  officer. 
“Old  feuds  between  Tchekh  and  Magyar  have  stimu- 
lated national  animosity,  and  the  acquisitions  of 
territory  within  these  few  years,  extending  the  bor- 
ders of  Bohemia  to  the  Adriatic  and  giving  her  a 
considerable  coast  line,  have  enraged  the  princes  of 
some  of  the  southern  provinces.  Germany  pushes 
him  from  the  west;  and  in  the  imperial  election  de- 
liberately rejected  Otakar’s  candidacy  on  account  of 
his  growing  power  and  personal  vigor  of  character. 
Every  troop  that  can  assemble  for  revenge  pours 
even  now  over  the  defenceless  fields  of  Moravia. 
Otakar’s  forces  had  hardly  appeared  in  position  ere 


48 


THE  B/iTTLE 


bands  of  plunderers  were  furiously  pressing  on  his 
rear  in  search  of  booty  and  slaves.  Otakar’s  pre- 
vious contentions  with  Rudolph  have,  I fear,  ex- 
hausted his  strength.” 

“Surely,”  said  the  Jew,  “two  stranger  princes  must 
have  had  violent  provocation  on  one  side  or  the 
other  in  the  first  instance.” 

“You  are  insufficiently  informed  as  to  the  acquaint- 
ance of  the  two  leaders,”  said  Don  Abraham.  “Ru- 
dolph and  Otakar  have  been  intimately  acquainted 
since  the  expedition  that  led  to  the  foundation  of 
Konigsberg  and  the  subjugation  of  the  Prussians. 
During  that  expedition  Rudolph  was  a poor  knight 
captain  in  Otakar’s  pay,  and  his  rough  leather  coat 
formed  a subject  for  mirth  to  his  commander  and 
brother  in  arms.  He  bore  the  jests  with  his  seem- 
ing good  humor;  but  since  that  time  he  has  had 
more  than  his  revenge.  But  pardon,”  added  Don 
x\braham.  “I  see  the  day  is  breaking  in  reality.  Be 
prepared.  Sir  Esculapius,  for  professional  duty  in 
quarters  that  certainly  you  dreamed  not  of.”  With 
this  parting  admonition  Don  Abraham  departed,  and 
Solomon  and  Pietro  at  once  betook  themselves  to 
their  patients. 

But  a new  difficulty  here  arose.  Solomon  was 
pressed  to  prescribe  for  horses,  for  oxen,  and  for 
men  still  more  foul  and  dirty.  Teeth,  eyes,  hands, 
feet  were  all  chronically  affected,  and  a species  of 
cutaneous  ailment  resembling  diffused  ringworm 
was  almost  universal.  The  fierce  stoicism  of  the 
affected  wretches  suppressed  as  much  as  possible  all 


THE  BATTLE 


49 


outward  manifestations  of  their  complaints  until  the 
disease  assumed  a virulence  that  amounted  practi- 
cally to  a pestilence.  Everything  they  touched  was 
tainted,  and  it  became  dangerous  to  handle  any  por- 
tion of  their  weapons  or  liieir  clothing.  Solomon 
and  his  companion,  though  offered  frequent  hospi- 
tality in  expectation  of  services, peremptorily  declined 
to  accept  food  prepared  by  other  hands  than  their 
o\yn.  Numerous  accessions  of  Magyars  and  nonde- 
scripts continually  reached  the  camp;  and  crowds 
of  noisy,  greedy  niarauders  of  the  most  repulsive 
type  accompanied  these  troops,  bringing  with  them 
moie  clumsy  wagons. 

Wives  and  children  filled  the  wagons  and  the 
camp  assumed  the  appearance  of  a migrating  na- 
tion. The  sheepskin  cap  and  coat  predominated 
as  the  style  of  uniform.  The  lance  was  the 
principal  weapon  of  the  mounted  men,  but  every 
trooper  also  carried  a knife,  and  many  possessed  also 
a species  of  long  dirk,  the  handle  of  which  was  set 
cross-ways  to  the  blade  and  protected  by  a double 
guard  extending  much  above  the  wrist  at  each  side. 
After  Dorf  Abraham’s  retirement  Solomon  and  Pie-  • 
tro  walked  freely  among  this  rabble.  In  the  babel 
of  tongues  the  names  “Rudolph”  and  “Otakar” 
continually  j^ecurred.  Towards  Otakar  a fierce  re- 
sentment had  been  created,  and  in  alluding  to  him 
the  wildest  excitement  arose.  In  speaking,  men 
stood  up  and  brandished  their  knives  and  daggers, 
plunging  them  into  unseen  enemies,  and  then  indi- 
cating with  fierce  gestures  the  licking  of  blood  from 
the  reeking  blades. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET. 

As  Solomon  and  Pietro  returned  to  their  hospital 
headquarters  they  were  met  by  the  same  officer  of 
the  early  morning.  He  handed  Solomon  a small 
packet,  and  commanded  him  to  read  it  at  once. 
Solomon  obeyed.  It  contained  three  papers — one  a 
brief  message  and  two  others  evidently  letters  of  in- 
troduction,one  for  each  of  the  strangers.  The  mes- 
sage came  direct  from  Don  Abraham,  and  was  as 
follows:  “I  am  ordered  to  attend  the  Emperor  in 
person  at  the  front.  Keep  yourself  in  readiness  to 
attend  at  any  moment.  The  emperor  delays  his  at- 
tack because  each  moment  surrounds  his  opponent's 
rear  with  new  assailants.  The  battle  will  be  fierce 
and  decisive,  and  the  emperor  expects  a desperate 
assault  on  himself.  The  other  side  may  anticipate  a 
similar  movement.  We  have  friends  in  th^e  opposite 
ranks.''  The  other  papers  contained  expressions  of 
recognition  and  recommendation  to  be  used  in  case 
the  writer  might  be  unable  at  a later  moment  to 
present  these  recipients  in  person.  A verbal  answer 
sufficed,  and  Solomon  pledged  himself  to  prompt 
compliance. 

‘‘Your  lives  depend  on  strict  attention,"  said  the 

officer,  and  quickly  rode  away. 

50 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


51 


Gradually  the  crowd  surged  towards  the  front,  and 
only  women,  children  and  a few  stragglers  remained. 
The  noise  at  a distance  became  greater.  Shouting 
grew  more  fierce  and.  contentious.  At  intervals  a 
wild  horseman  rode  into  the  camp,  announcing  the 
bloody  contention  and  its  incidents  as  observed,  and 
then  rode  away  again.  Even  the  women  and  older 
children  left  the  camp,  and  went  forward.  Seeing 
their  opportunity,  a group  of  prisoners  hitherto  un- 
noticed, with  hands  still  bound  since  the  previous 
evening,  approached  the  tent.  In  front  advanced  a tall 
veteran,  of  dignified  carriage  and  venerable  appear- 
ance. Solomon  and  Pietro  regarded  this  apparition 
at  first  with  surprise  and  then  with  alarm.  With 
difficulty  they  recognized  their  host  of  the  previous 
morning.  Hastily  unbinding  his  wrists  and  admin- 
istering every  possible  attention,  they  conducted  the 
old  man  to  the  best  couch  at  their  disposal,  and  hav- 
ing disposed  him  to  rest,  gave  similar  attention  to  the 
others.  They  were  all  members  of  the  same  family, 
sons  or  sons-in-law;  and  men  and  women,  old  and 
young,  all  were  tortured  captives  together.  “Be 
not  uneasy,”  said  Solomon;  “we  shall  need  your  ser- 
vices during  the  day  while  these  wretches  are  en- 
gaged in  their  favorite  pastime.”  The  group  then 
quietly  disposed  of  themselves  at  hand.  Food  and 
water  were  supplied  and  all  waited  in  silence.  “It 
will  be  as  I expected,”  said  Solomon  at  length. 
“Otakar  is  overmatched.  He  will  fall,  and  an  an- 
cient dynasty  and  a prosperous  kingdom  will  fall  with 
him.  Woe  to  the  land  infested  with  these  hordes. 


52 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


It  were  better  given  over  for  a season  to  the  beasts 
of  the  forest.  I apprehend  dreadful  sufferings  for 
these  fine  countries.” 

The  two  friends  waited  long  and  patiently,  not 
daring  to  leave  their  posts.  They  listened  intently 
to  the  shouting  as  the  sound  swayed  hither  and 
thither,  rose  to  a furious  height,  and  then  sunk  in  one 
direction,  and  again  surged  over  to  another. 

“It  goes  well  for  Rudolph,  I deem,”  said  Solomon. 
“I  see  none  of  these  miscreants  returning.  Evi- 
dently they  apprehend  no  impediment  to  their  ply- 
ing their  vocation  from  that  quarter.” 

Early  in  the  afternoon  they  were  surprised  to  find 
two  of  the  younger  prisoners  whom  they  had  liber- 
ated in  the  morning  returning  from  the  front.  The 
old  man,  much  refreshed  but  still  looking  haggard, 
approached  the  group.  “Now,”  he  said,  “be  accu- 
rate, and  speak  the  truth  whatever  it  may  be.” 

“Until  within  an  hour, ”returned  the  young  man  ad  - 
dressed, “there  has  been  little  advantage  on  either 
side.  But  the  slaughter  is  great  Kill,  kill,  is  the 
spirit;  none  seem  to  be  spared.  Several  battalions 
have  already  been  driven  into  the  river,  and  Otakar 
greatly  weakened  at  one  point.  These  were  Russians, 
Poles  and  Bohemians.  The  center  of  each  line  is  now 
the  object  of  attack  by  the  other.  The  chief  comman- 
ders on  each  side  are  there  situated.  We  witnessed  a 
furious  onslaught  made  against  Rudolph  in  person. 
He  went  down,  but  we  cannot  tell  the  result.  If  he  is 
unharmed,  or  but  wounded,  we  may  now  look  for  the 
turning  point.”  “I  know  what  you  allude  to,”  said 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


53 


the  old  man.  “Milota  has  waited  for  his  opportu- 
nity, and  now  if  a counter  charge  be  made  against 
Otakar  in  person,  and  it  seems  likely  to  succeed,  or 
is  forcibly  made,  we  may  at  once  look  for  a wide  gap 
in  his  line  and  on  his  most  vulnerable  side.  Milota’s 
vengeance ‘will  be  complete.” 

The  party  still  waited  until  the  noise  centered 
in  one  point.  ‘‘It  is  nearly  over,”  said  the  old 
man.  “From  this  day  Bohemia  is  dead.  She 
may  rise  again,  but  her  resurrection  will  exhibit 
a melancholy  metamorphosis,  and  I regret  to 
believe  that  some  of  my  own  kindred  shall  have 
materially  aided  in  the  transformation.  Otakar, 
too,  was  betrayed  by  the  very  power  that  lured 
him  by  deceitful  professions  to  his  doom,” 

Towards  evening  the  noise  died  away.  A mes- 
senger approached  the  party  and  ordered  the  stranger 
physician,  whose  name  he  did  not  know,  to  repair  at 
once  to  headquarters  with  all  the  attendants  he  could 
procure. 

Solomon,  Pietro,  and  the  old  man  and  his  sons, 
and  the  entire  group,  at  once  proceeded  towards  head- 
quarters under  the  guidance  of  the  messenger.  On 
their  way  they  noticed  a large  number  of  men,  evi- 
dently wounded  and  some  desperately  so,  lying  along 
the  road  and  under  the  trees,  in  all  directions. 
They  endeavored  to  obtain  what  relief  they  could  by 
their  own  efforts;  but  no  thought  of  any  general  sur- 
gical aid  or  appliance,  or  hospital  care  of  any  kind, 
seemed  even  to  have  entered  their  minds.  They 
all  lay  in  one  common  neglect,  so  far  as  any  organ- 


54 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


ized  surgical  arrangements  were  concerned.  In 
fact  there  were  none.  Thousands  of  men  lay  around, 
and  blood  met  the  eye  in  every  direction.  Any 
effectual  aid  to  this  multitude  was  hopeless,  even  if 
there  was  time  or  permission  to  extend  it.  Still  the 
air  seemed  filled  with  a diffused  moan,  which  gradu- 
ally gave  place  to  distinct  voices,  and  some  laughter, 
as  the  party  approached  headquarters.  Here  a wild 
spectacle  was  presented.  Troops  of  every  nation- 
ality in  mixed  groups  stood,  moved  about  and  min- 
gled with  each  other.  Weapons  lay  ar  ound,  many 
broken.  Many  horses  lay  dead;  others,  wounded, 
shrieked  and  kicked  in  agony.  Helmets  and  gar- 
ments were  thrown  off.  A few  were  engaged  in  bind- 
ing up  arms  and  legs  and  heads;  but  the  work  was 
that  of  comrades,  and  rendered  with  rough  yet 
friendly  alacrity.  Wagons  were  being  besieged  for 
provisions;  prisoners  were  marched  to  the  rear,  but 
these  were  not  many  and  were  all  of  distant  nation- 
alities. Many  of  those  present  fiercely  gesticulated, 
showing  hovv^  blows  had  been  given  and  received. 
Dust,  sweat,  blood  were  everywhere,  and  water, 
water,  was  the  universal  cry.  In  an  open  space,  not 
far  from  a large  tent,  numerous  groups  of  officers 
were  assembled.  Among  them  stood  one  preeminent, 
the  center  of  the  group,  tall,  with  a hooked  nose, 
spare  figure,  bald  head  and  severe  look.  He  sus- 
tained himself  with  a spear,  as  if  he  had  been  hurt 
but  would  not  avow  it. 

Near  him  stood  a centenarian  veteran  who  still 
held  the  Austrian  banner  by  the  middle  of  the  staff. 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


55 


Close  by,  another  officer  still  grasped  the  oak  pole 
that  bore  on  a cross  bar  the  imperial  eagle.  Beside 
him  stood  a handsome  youth  with  features  resem- 
bling those  of  the  chief  personage,  and  he  still  guarded 
the  banner  of  the  cross  which  had  marked  the  po- 
sition of  the  commander-in-chief  during  the  day.  At 
a short  distance  and  towards  the  rear,  surrounded 
by  a group  evidently  of  another  nationality,  stood  a 
stalwart  person,  clad  in  Bohemian  garb,  and  even 
still  bearing,  through  forgetfulness,  the  white  and 
red  sash  of  that  nationality.  He  seemed  to  be  a pris- 
oner, but  treated  with  consideration  as  a person  to 
be  reserved,  but  not  openly  avowed.  On  approach- 
ing this  group,  Solomon  and  his  friends  were  met  by 
Don  Abraham.  “I  have  sent  for  you,’’  said  the 
officer,  ‘‘because  we  fear  that  the  emperor  is  injured, 
although  he  will  not  acknowledge  it.  He  was  des- 
perately assailed  and  unhorsed  during  the  fight,  and 
almost  trampled  to  death.  He  protected  his  face 
with  his  shield.  His  horse  was  killed  and  his  dan- 
ger seemed  extreme,  until  a fresh  horse  was  sup- 
plied. Your  first  duty  will  be  to  prescribe  for  the 
emperor,  if  you  find  any  injuries  have  been  sus- 
tained.” At  this  point  the  emperor’s  eye  fell  on 
the  approaching  strangers  and  was  at  once  fixed  on 
the  old  man.  The  two  looked  at  each  other,  but 
not  in  enmity.  Don  Abraham  interposed.  “The 
most  renowned  physician  and  master  of  the  medi- 
cal art  in  your  highness’  dominions  is  fortunately 
present,  and  is  prepared  to  relieve  us  of  our  anxi- 
eties if  you  will  permit  his  services,”  he  said. 


56 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


‘‘I  am  bruised,  but  that  is  all,’’  replied  Rudolph; 
“but  let  him  come.” 

Solomon  approached. 

“Whence  come  you.^^”  said  Rudolph. 

“From  the  ancient  and  honored  city  of  Cordova,” 
replied  Solomon,  assuming  an  air  of  courtly  dignity, 
“that  has  supplied  physicians  to  all  the  royal  houses 
in  Europe  for  centuries.  But  while  I v/ould  not 
presume  to  obtrude  myself  on  your  highness,  time 
is  of  supreme  importance,  and  as  imperial  duties  re- 
quire health  and  activity,  and  especially  those  of  the 
present  time,  the  promptitude  that  distinguishes 
your  highness  may  wisely  be  exhibited  on  this  occa- 
sion.” 

Rudolph  smiled.  His  armor  w.as  removed.  A few 
slight  lesions  were  discovered  and  trifling  bruises; 
his  battered  armor  pressed  the  flesh  and  produced 
discolorations  in  several  places;  but  no  serious  in- 
jury was  revealed.  Solomon’s  proceedings  disclosed 
the  mastery  of  his  art,  at  once  delicate  and  thorough; 
and  Rudolph  very  speedily  perceived  that  he  was  in 
the  hands  of  a man  who  perfectly  understood  his 
business.  Solomon  enjoined  positive  rest  for  the 
present,  promising  that  by  next  day  all  stiffness 
would  disappear  under  his  care. 

“I  must  remain  here  at  least  until  to-morrow,” 
said  Rudolph.  “I  am  not  yet  certain  of  Otakar’s 
death,  although  I know  he  has  fallen.  We  must 
search  for  his  body,  dead  or  alive,  as  it  is  most  im- 
portant that  the  truth  be  not  only  known  but  fully 
exhibited  to  the  world.  In  the  meantime  you  and 


THE  COUNCIL  banquet 


57 


your  attendants  will  remain  here  and  you  will  be 
duly  recompensed  for  services.’’ 

Then  summoning  to  his  presence  a nobleman  who 
stood  in  another  group,  Rudolph  said:  “I  commit 
the  superintendence  of  these  men  and  their  proceed- 
ings to  your  fidelity,  Lord  Zawis;  I well  know  your 
humane  and  honorable  character.  Let  the  field  be 
thoroughly  searched,  and  if  the  body  of  the  king  of 
Bohemia  be  found  let  it  be  instantly  entrusted  to 
our  physician  present.  You  will  see  that  the  body 
be  fully  identified  and  proofs  produced  of  its  identity; 
and  as  you  were  personally  closely  acquainted  with 
the  king  of  Bohemia,!  charge  you  that  all  prompti- 
tude and  formality  be  observed.” 

Lord  Zawis  at  once  selected  his  attendants  from 
among  Solomon’s  new  acquaintances  and  others. 
Solomon,  Pietro  and  the  old  man  remained  at  head- 
quarters, to  bestow  needed  attention  on  wounded 
officers.  This  duty  occupied  them  constantly  through 
the  night;  allowing  only  an  interval  during  the 
darker  hours,  when  effort  to  discover  wounded  men 
was  useless,  and  exhaustion  utterly  prevented  further 
exertion. 

All  night  long  plunderers  and  marauders  stripped 
and  robbed  the  dead.  Armor,  clothing,  weapons, 
everything  was  remorselessly  carried  oft  by  the 
hordes  of  the  morning,  and  by  trocps  of  combatants 
also,  new  robbers  for  the  occasion.  The  wounded, 
unable  to  defend  themselves,  were  pillaged  like  the 
rest  and  left  naked  on  the  plain.  The  morning  dis- 
closed a frightful  spectacle.  Corpses  of  men, carcasses 


58 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


of  horses  lay  in  thousands,  exposed  to  the  burning 
sun  that  poured  down  uninterrupted  heat  on  the 
Marchfield. 

Still  Otakar’s  body  had  not  been  identified.  At 
last,  towards  noon,  in  front  of  the  center  line  of  the 
Bohemian  position,  a body  was  discovered,  horribly 
disfigured  and  ghastly  with  seventeen  wounds.  It 
was  carefully  examined,  and  by  the  eye  of  Lord 
Zawis  fully  identified  as  that  of  the  great  Otakar, 
king  of  Bohemia.  Little  remained  of  the  clothing; 
the  splendid  raiment,  and  the  shining  armor  of  the 
previous  day  replaced  by  bloody  mud;  and  the  kingly 
rank  utterly  extinguished  in  the  wreck  of  reeking  car- 
casses and  offal  that  lay  around.  The  body  was 
placed  on  a rough  bier  and  at  once  conveyed  to  head- 
quarters. There  it  was  again  fully  identified.  A 
guard  was  set  around  the  tent  where  it  was  deposited. 
Most  stringent  orders  were  issued  as  to  its  safe  keep- 
ing, and  Solomon  informed  to  omit  no  secret  or  pro- 
cedure known  to  his  art  to  preserve  the  appearance, 
Solomon  applied  the  only  means  within  his  power — 
plain  clean  water;  but  he  advised  that  the  body  be 
dispatched  at  once  to  Vienna,  where  the  means  of 
embalming  prior  to  interment  were  at  hand.  “Your 
highness  perceives  that  I am  powerless  to  do  more,’’ 
said  Solomon. 

Rudolph  immediately  dispatched  the  body,  care- 
fully enveloped,  under  a special  guard,  chosen  by  his 
son  Albert,  to  the  abbey  of  the  Scotch  Minorites  at 
Vienna. 

The  day  was  now  devoted  to  the  burial  of  the 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


59 


dead.  It  was  hurriedly  performed.  The  wounded 
helped  each  other  off  the  field  as  well  as  they  could. 
Women  by  hundreds  appeared,  some  from  consider- 
able distances;  and  by  evening  the  camp  began  to 
assume  again  the  appearance  of  a rough  order.  Pil- 
lagers by  thousands  spread  over  the  country,  where 
now  no  impediment  whatever  to  their  ravages  was 
presented. 

Rudolph  was  perplexed  as  to  his  next  step,  and 
delayed  his  march.  Bohemia,  although  beaten,  was  not 
yet  wholly  crushed.  Many  of  her  stoutest  elements 
had  kept  aloof  from  the  Marchfield  contest,  not 
through  disloyalty,  but  from  that  blind  party  spirit 
that  so  frequently  assists  enemies  at  a distance  whose 
hostility  is  not  instantly  felt,  in  order  to  secure 
gratification  over  domestic  opponents  whose  petty 
irritations  rankle  at  the  hour. 

In  the  evening  the  emperor  invited  all  his  officers 
and  guests  to  an  entertainment.  He  was  now  for 
the  first  time  undisputed  emperor.  His  greatest 
triumph  had  been  achieved.  All  the  elements  of  his 
empire  were  represented.  He  would  secure  their 
sentiments  for  his  guidance,  and  with  this  view  he 
determined  to  hold  a political  council  of  war. 

The  banquet,  such  as  the  camp  could  afford,  was 
spread  early.  All  present  were  refreshed  and  cheer- 
ful. Many  were  jubilant.  It  was  the  moment  to 
expect  candor  and  ready  speech. 

As  soon  as  tongues  could  be  devoted  to  articulation 
of  formal  speech  Rudolph  sought  out  the  old  man. 
‘‘Old  comrade,”  he  said,  “your  good  judgment  will 


GO 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


not  attribute  my  seeming  neglect  to  any  forgetful- 
ness, or  disposition  to  overlook  ancient  friendship. 
I fill  and  drink  a goblet  to  your  good  health.’’  The 
old  man  replied:  “It  is  not  for  me  either  to  forget 
or  to  remember,  highness.  My  sentiments  and  feel- 
ings are  such  as  they  ever  were,  and  do  not  require 
either  mnemonics  or  rehearsals.  Men  who  have 
borne  the  doublet  and  cuirass  as  long  as  you  and  I 
have,  are  not  likely  to  be  affected  by  the  transitions 
of  an  hour.” 

“Gentlemen,  I give  you  a toast,”  said  Rudolph. 
“To  the  memories  of  Romove  and  Auf-ban.  Let 
us  honor  the  presence  of  Lord  Boppo,  to  whom  I 
am  indebted  for  valiant  shelter  against  the  arrows 
and  maces  of  the  Prussians.”  The  toast  was  drunk 
with  loud  clatter,  all  eyes  being  turned  on  the  old 
hero. 

“By  and  by  we  shall  resume  those  themes,”  con- 
tinued Rudolph.  “For  this  moment  I am  perplexed 
to  discover  a solution  of  the  mystery  of  the  Fall  of 
kingdoms.  I propose,  then,  this  theme  for  investi- 
gation: What  is  the  chief  cause  of  the  downfall  of 
kingdoms  Lord  Bruno, be  good  enough  to  favor  us 
first  with  your  decision.” 

“The  wrath  of  God  upon  the  offending  I pro- 
nounce without  hesitation  to  be  the  chief  cause,” 
replied  the  bishop  of  Olmiitz.  “When  princes  err 
from  the  path  of  duty  enjoined  on  them  by  the  holy 
church,  their  steps  wander  in  the  mazes  of  willful- 
ness, and  become  entangled  among  the  thorns  and 
brambles  that  ever  beset  the  feet  of  the  disobedient.” 


THE  COUNCIL  banquet 


61 


^‘What  Is  thy  judgment,  Lord  de  Haslan,”  asked 
Rudolph.  “It  is  thy  province  to  instruct  the  counsels 
of  kings,  to  enlighten  the  conscience  of  rulers,  and 
disseminate  the  sentiments  of  justice  among  popu- 
lations.” 

“The  downfall  of  kingdoms,  in  my  judgment,”  re- 
plied the  chancellor,  “is  the  result  of  disregard  of 
those  native  principles  of  equity  which  bind  man  to 
his  fellov/  man,  which  are  crushed,  undeveloped,  or 
concealed  by  reason  of  the  weight  of  authority, 
wealth,  or  rapacity;  and  thus  the  concentration  of 
national  forces  is  broken  up,  and  an  opening  left  in 
the  national  armor  for  a fatal  thrust  from  an  insidious 
foe,  or  an  open  assailant.  I believe  the  insidious 
foe  who  attacks  from  within,  under  the  guise  of  loy- 
alty, is  the  chief  source  of  the  disunion  and  fall  of 
kingdoms.  When  the  arm  of  justice  is  palsied  by 
the  poison  of  deceitful  insinuations  emanating  from 
the  intriguing  emissaries  of  a foreign  despot,  and 
plain  honor  and  good  faith  are  subjected  to  specu- 
lations on  unseen  things,  and  these  speculations  are 
associated  designedly  with  assumed  menaces  from  the 
unseen,  the  heart  of  a nation  must  lose  its  native 
throb,  and  its  hand  must  be  weak  before  its  enemies.” 

“I  would  inquire,”  said  Lord  Bruno,  “to  what  ‘in- 
sidious foe’  the  Lord  Justice  alludes.” 

“To  every  insidious  foe,”  replied  the  chancellor, 
“who  to-day  counsels  his  King  to  adopt  one  course 
until  the  King  is  irretrievably  committed  thereto, 
and  then  on  the  field  of  battle  or  elsewhere,  before 
the  walls  of  Vienna,  or  at  any  other  place,  in  the 


62  THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 

very  hour  and  strait  of  peril,  assumes  a changed  atti- 
tude when  that  change  favors  the  designs  of  a for- 
eign despot,  and  creates  a wide  gap  in  the  ranks  of 
a nation’s  defenders.  A traitor  to-day  can  never  be 
a trustworthy  counselor  to-morrow.  His  foreign 
master  may  have  some  new  phase  of  interest  to  pro- 
mote ” 

Rudolph’s  good  humor  came  to  the  rescue,  for  he 
well  remembered  Bruno’s  defection  from  Otakar  be- 
fore Vienna  two  years  previously  under  direct  order 
from  Rome.  Accordingly  he  said  cheerily:  ‘‘All 
is  fair  in  love  and  war,  you  know.  Lord  Justice.  I 
would  hear  Lord  Boppo  express  his  judgment  and 
observation.” 

“Should  I rely  on  the  observation  of  the  eye,” 
replied  Lord  Boppo,  “I  should  refer  the  cause  of  the 
downfall  of  kingdoms  to  the  number  of  Rudolphs 
there  are  in  the  world.  But  that  explanation  must 
be  incomplete,  as  the  existence  of  conquerors  must 
have  the  same  cause  as  the  fall  of  kingdoms,  and 
afford  the  occasion  for  their  manifestation.  Your 
highness  and  myself  aided  in  the  destruction  of  a 
people  because  we  were  the  stronger.  Had  the 
Prussians  possessed  the  same  elements  of  knowledge 
in  war  and  the  industry  that  perversely  supplies  the 
strength  and  appliances  of  war,  their  native  courage, 
their  fastnesses  and  morasses,  and  their  patriotic 
devotion  must  have  proved  victorious.  It  is  the 
want  of  knowledge  that  conduces  most  to  the  fall  of 
kingdoms.  Men  cannot  act  when  they  do  not  know 
how  to  act;  and  their  skill  and  efforts  are  wasted 


The  council  banquet 


63 


through  insufficient  supply  of  those  facts  and  natural 
laws  which  provide  men  with  infinite  details  of  in- 
strumentalities derived  from  nature’s  abundant  re- 
sources and  powers.  Hence  is  the  world  filled  with 
civilizations  arrested,  and  with  the  remnants  of  na- 
tions whose  development  had  reached  an  unripe  stage 
and  was  then  made  stagnant  there;  but  the  intru- 
sion of  alien  superior  forces,  whether  by  might  or 
by  fraud,  fixed  the  conditions  in  disastrous  perma- 
nence of  existing  incompleteness.  Every  nation 
that  develops  itself  unceasingly  along  its  own  lines, 
and  by  the  constant  growth  of  its  inherent  elements, 
must  endure.  Let  its  career  be  broken,  then  the 
unripe  principles  and  crude  systems  it  has  reached 
become  indurated  for  ever  through  retrospective 
appeals  of  patriotism  to  the  life  and  glory  it  had 
lost.  Bohemia  had  attained  a fuller  stage  of  polity 
in  one  respect.  That  stage  conferred  splen  did 
prospects  and  had  developed  in  most  hopeful  direc- 
tions, and  it  is  for  these  reasons  her  enemies  con-- 
spired.  I trust  your  highness  may  be  able  in  your 
imperial  dignity  to  preserve  that  which  has  been  at- 
tained.” 

“I  invite  the  judgment  of  our  physician  present. 
His  skill,  learning,  travel,  and  acquaintance  with 
men  and  with  principles  will  enlighten  us,”  said 
Rudolph. 

“My  judgment,  highness,”  replied  Solomon,  “must 
coincide  in  part  with  each  sentiment  that  has  been 
expressed.  I believe  the  downfall  of  kingdoms  may 
be  referred,  however,  to  the  acceptance  and  enforce- 


04 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


ment  in  separate  nations  of  each  of  those  sentiments 
to  the  exclusion  of  the  other.  True  it  is,  indeed, 
that  the  wrath  of  God  destroys  kingdoms;  but  God 
operates  through  a myriad  of  instrumentalities,  each 
and  all  adapted  to  our  faculties  and  each  and  all 
constituting  the  connecting  links  between  us  and  the 
world  around  U5.  The  exclusion  of  all  reliance  on 
these  instrumentalities  in  a blind  dependence  on  the 
unseen  and  unknown,  necessarily  severs  us  from  that 
source  of  strength  supplied  to  us  in  abundance  in 
the  natural  wealth  of  forces  and  activities  surround- 
ing U3.  What  has  created  the  difference  between 
the  civilized  man  and  the  savage  of  the  past?  The 
intelligent  and  persistent  investigation  of  details. 
Here  a fact,  there  an  operation,  next  the  combi- 
nation of  both  intelligently  exhibited,  thence  adopted 
by  observing  men.  A myriad  of  these  details  consti- 
tute our  visible  progress.  The  denial  of  this  investi- 
gation or  the  exclusion  of  all  spirit  to  promote  it 
through  assumed  terror  of  unseen  spirits  separates 
men  from  God,  as  it  shuts  them  off  from  his  visible 
.operations  which  hang  before  us  as  the  apples  on 
the  tree. 

“The  wealth  he  supplies  to  us  is  the  adaptable 
concretion  of  himself  ready  to  our  intelligence.  Ne- 
glect of  this  by  superstitious  terrors  is  the  rejection 
of  God.  His  power  thus  rejected  and  cringed  from 
instead  of  being  conformed  to,  becomes  a terrible 
potency  and  its  operation  is  indeed  a wrath.  Man's 
nature  must  grow  and  bloom  as  the  flower  grows 
and  blooms,  according  to  its  inherent  qualities  left  to 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


65 


derive  immortalizing  sustenance  from  the  essence  of 
divine  potency  and  life  distributed  in  the  nutriment 
that  feeds  the  flower  into  beauty.  No  outward  skill 
can  confer  those  capabilities,  although  it  may  en- 
courage them.  Cut  a nation  thus  off  from  God  and 
a terrible  wrath  necessarily  overwhelms  it,  and  it 
falls. 

‘‘The  disregard  of  the  native  principles  of  equity 
is  but  another  name  for  the  rejection  of  the 
example  of  unity  and  co-operation  between  all  the 
forces  that  work  harmoniously  in  the  world  around 
us.  The  same  light  and  air  confer  their  elastic 
growth;  the  same  rain  and  lightning  stimulate  their 
activities.  All  is  oneness  in  the  great  unity  of  har- 
mony and  co-operation.  Men  observe  this  phe- 
nomenon, but  through  factitious  doctrines  invented 
from  the  outside,  allow  themselves  to  be  cheated 
out  of  the  spirit  of  equity  this  observation,  if  unim- 
peded, must  confer.  The  insufficient  supply  of  facts 
and  natural  laws  in  the  mind  of  a nation,  whereof 
the  Lord  Boppo  has  spoken,  is  the  necessary  result 
of  the  obstructions  created  between  the  soul  and  its 
surroundings.  When  the  nature  of  these  is  mis- 
represented, for  the  purpose  of  erecting  an  antago- 
nistic system  through  the  neglect  or  the  fear  of  them, 
poverty  of  mind  and  beggary  in  appliances  must  en- 
sue. The  better  informed  in  the  exuberance  of 
nature’s  skill  and  methods  have  always  prevailed 
and  filled  the  world  with  abortive  civilizations, 
crushed  by  men  goaded  on  by  ignorant  terror  of  the 
unseen.  I believe  that  my  own  nation  has  fallen 
through  submission  to  similar  misdirection. 


66 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


“In  a word, the  fall  of  kingdoms  has  arisen  from  the 
substitution  of  principles  ignorantly  manufactured 
by  the  fancies  of  men,  for  the  eternal,  omnipresent, 
ceaseless  activities  that  live  in  us  as  in  all  other  ob- 
jects, and  makes  us  one  with  the  great  unity  around. 
It  is  the  discovery  and  adaptation  of  these  activities 
that  bestows  intelligent  effort  on  mankind,  and 
strengthens  them  in  their  individual  and  national 
development.  What  constituted  the  diamond  mind 
and  conferred  its  luster?  It  was  formed  independent 
of  the  genius  of  man;  and  his  grandest  imagination 
cannot  add  to  its  perfection;  his  utmost  malignity 
cannot  tarnish  its  splendor.  He  may  crush  the 
diamond  indeed  i’f  it  does  not  exhibit  the  dull,  dis- 
colored light  that  he  proposes,  but  his  utmost  inge- 
nuity cannot  insert  the  least  spark  of  the  divine  bril- 
liancy whose  native  gleam  ^springs  from  its  own 
purity  and  perfection.’  ’’ 

Rudolph,  apparently  satisfied,  exclaimed: 

“Friend  Pietro,  I hear  thou  art  something  of  a 
jongleur;  be  good  enough  to  present  to  us  some 
demonstration  of  thine  art.”  Don  Abraham  furnished 
a guitar.  Pietro  reflected  a moment. 

“Take  thy  theme  from  Lord  Abraham’s  own  land 
and  kindred,”  exclaimed  Rudolph.  “His  valiant  heart 
to-day  interposed  with  ready  arm  and  skillful  lance 
for  our  rescue.” 

Pietro,  thus  encouraged,  seated  himself  a little 
apart,  and  accompanying  himself,  sang  in  a full  voice 
the  Spanish  Arab  melody  of 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


67 


zerah’s  halls. 

I. 

“Through  Zerah’s  halls  the  marbles  shine 
In  all  the  glories  nature  gave; 

And  pearl  and  fretted  gold  combine 
To  tint  the  light’s  reflected  wave. 

The  clustered  pillar’s  slender  stem 
Lightly  sustains  the  airy  dome, 

Chased  with  a patterned  diadem 
To  crown  with  rosy  light  the  true  believer’s  home. 

II. 

“Through  Zerah’s  halls  the  fountains  play 
In  tireless  tranquilizing  stream, 

Mingling  their  living  silver’s  spray 
With  the  light’s  soft  and  tinted  beam; 

And  perfumed  breath  of  leaf  and  bloom 
Diffuse  their  fragrance  o’er  the  sense, 

Bidding  the  faithful  soul  assume 

A rapture  of  belief  in  Allah’s  providence. 

III. 

“In  Zerah’s  halls  the  pages  wait; 

The  cushioned  couch  invites  repose; 

And  Spahis  marshaled  at  the  gate 
Regal  security  disclose; 

And  all  the  perfumes  of  the  East 
From  soft  exotic  petals  rise, 

And  join  to  yield  a monarch’s  feast 

Of  soul,  to  guide  his  hopes  to  views  of  Paradise 

IV. 

"And  Zerah’s  halls  protect  the  rare 
And  costly  tomes  of  v^isdom’s  lore, 

Gathered  from  all  lands,  treasured  there, — 

Wrought  by  the  sages  who  explore 
The  pathways  of  the  stars  and  suns. 

And  laws  that  guide  the  planets’  course; 

Or  seek  of  plants  the  rarer  ones 
Whose  hidden  virtues  break  diseases’  poison  force, 


68 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


V. 

“Or  teach  men’s  hearts  that  goodness  dwells 
In  virtue’s  undefiled  commands, 

Where  wisdom’s  purity  compels 
An  upright  soul  and  stainless  hands, 

And  spreads  its  potent  charms  around 
In  courtesy  of  word  and  deed, 

Mingling  high  wisdom’s  truths  profound 

With  industry’s  full  toil,  and  alms  for  those  who  need. 

VI. 

“In  Zerah’s  halls  the  gentler  tread 
Of  tender  woman  lightly  glides, 

And  silken  hues  and  rustle  spread 
By  the  soft  movement;  and,  besides, 

Music’s  enchantment  soothes  the  soul 
And  sheds  a foretaste  of  the  peace 
Promised  through  the  long  ages’  roll 

When  Allah’s  summons  hence  confers  the  great  release. 

VII. 

“The  subtle  wit  that  charms  in  song 
Trills  melody  for  Zerah’s  dames, 

And  mirrored  boudoir  courts  prolong 

The  strain.  Each  opening  hour  proclaims 
Fair  science  ruler  of  the  scene 
By  some  new  token — gift  divine 
Of  her  inspiring  embassy  between 

The  One  Light  and  the  soul  wherein  its  glories  shine.” 

Hardly  had  Pietro  concluded  when  a messenger 
conveyed  to  Rudolph  some  tidings  apparently  of  im- 
portance. ‘‘Gentlemen,”  he  said,  “I  am  just  in- 
formed that  the  gallant  son  of  the  late  King  of  Bo- 
hemia has  been  captured.  It  were  unseemly,  perhaps, 
to  greet  a soldier  of  his  rank  with  songs  of  joy  over 
the  discomfiture  and  death  of  his  illustrious  father, 
and  his  own  disaster  likewise.  Only  the  late  king’s 
dignity  and  power  enabled  him  to  sustain  his  gallant 
son  in  lofty  station.” 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


69 


Hardly  had  this  delicate  allusion  to  Duke  Nicolas 
been  uttered  when  the  prisoner  was  escorted  into 
the  imperial  presence.  Rudolph  presented  his  hand 
cordially.  “I  am  sincerely  sorry  for  your  great  mis- 
hap, duke,”  he  said;  “but  1 am  assured  that  you 
will  accept  the  soldier’s  fate  without  repining.” 

“The  soul  of  the  Premysls,”  responded  Nicolas, 
“has  never  shrunk  from  any  encounter  either  with  des- 
tiny from  mysterious,  and  at  times  traitorous  sources, 
or  from  the  open  and  announced  hostility  of  a soldier 
enemy.  I trust  I shall  meet  these  present  appar- 
ently evil  fortunes  with  such  fortitude  as  I know  my 
father  would  have  required.” 

“I  believe  your  forces  have  been  either  dispersed 
or  taken,”  replied  Rudolph,  “and  that  little, if  any,  of 
your  army  remains.”  “It  would  be  useless  to  deny 
or  conceal  the  completeness  of  your  triumph,”  an- 
swered the  Duke  of  Troppau.  “But  I feel  assured 
your  highness  is  not  informed  of  the  devastations 
now  being  committed  against  non‘Combatants  far 
and  wide  throughout  the  towns  and  villages  of 
Moravia.  Bands  of  marauders  and  murderers  estab 
lished  themselves  in  the  most  peaceful  and  prosper- 
ous neighborhood  to  await  the  issue  of  the  battle. 
Now  that  we  are  defenceless,  these  ruffians  slay,  pil- 
lage and  burn  with  all  their  Cumanian  savagery.” 

“I  have  given  orders  to  arrest  such  violence,”  briefly 
replied  Rudolph;  but  no  further  commands  to  that 
effect  were  issued.  “Personally  you  are  under  my 
immediate  care,”  continued  the  emperor;  “but  you 
will  remain  at  my  headquarters  for  the  present.  In 
other  respects  your  freedom  is  assured/’ 


70 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


Hereupon  the  soldier  company  separated  into 
many  groups,  and  much  animated  discussion  ensued. 
Gradually  these  groups  assumed  some  stability;  and 
those  persons  whose  sentiments  on  the  present  emer- 
gencies seemed  to  correspond  settled  themselves  to 
close,  animated,  and  gradually  to  confidential  discus- 
sion, as  they  penetrated  deeper  into  each  other’s 
deliberate  and  apparently  fixed  lines  of  action. 

One  of  these  groups  included  Lord  Zawis,  Duke 
Nicolas,  the  Chancellor,  Lord  Boppo  and  Solomon. 
Another  group  included  Bruno,  Bishop  of  Olmut.2, 
Duke  Albert,  Milota  of  Deidicz  and  some  distin- 
guished commanders  who  had  shared  in  the  battle. 

Rudolph  took  Pietro  apart  saying:  “You  seem  to 
be  a scholar.  I would  have  you  write  some  lines, 
and  as  the  subject  is  not  secret  I shall  avail  myself 
of  your  skill,  which  probably  exceeds  my  own  with 
the  stylus.’’  The  emperor  at  once  dictated  the  fol- 
lowing letter: 

“Rudolph,  Emperor,  to  the  Queen  of  Bohemia: 

“Excellent  Queen,  With  sincere  sorrow  we  are 
compelled  to  officially  announce  the  defeat  and  death 
of  the  king,  your  illustrious  husband.  We  extend  our 
protection  to  his  family  and  shall  counsel  for  their 
welfare.  Be  assured  of  our  good  will  in  that  regard. 
Your  valiant  husband  fought  most  nobly.  The  king, 
after  seeing  his  army  discomfited  and  himself  left 
alone,  still  would  not  submit  to  our  conquering 
standards,  but  fighting  with  the  strength  and  spirit 
of  a giant,  defended  himself  with  wonderful  courage 
until  he  was  unhorsed  and  mortally  wounded  by  some 
of  our  soldiers.  Then  that  magnanimous  monarch 
lost  his  life  at  the  same  time  with  the  victory,  and 


THE  COUNCIL  BANQUET 


71 


was  overthrown  not  by  our  power  and  strength,  but 
by  the  greater  power  that  controls  destiny  and  dis- 
poses of  kingdoms.  The  gracious  lady,  Queen  Kuni- 
gunde,  need  entertain  no  alarm  as  to  the  safety  of 
herself  and  her  children. 

‘‘Rudolph,  Imp.’’ 

“I  will  provide  an  escort,  and  you  shall  be  the 
bearer  of  that  letter  as  directed,”  the  emperor  added^ 
“and  you  will  be  ready  to  set  forth  when  good  light 
spreads  clear  to-morrow  morning.” 


CHAPTER  V. 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES. 

Rudolph  neither  expected  nor  intended  that  this 
letter  should  be  delivered.  His  purpose  was  to  dis- 
cover the  real  object  of  the  visit  of  Solomon  and 
Pietro  to  Bohemia.  He  already  suspected  that  they 
were  different  from  what  they  pretended  to  be. 
He  therefore  resolved  to  separate  them,  to  keep  them 
employed  if  possible,  and  in  the  meantime  to  watch 
their  efforts  to  communicate  with  their  probable 
allies.  As  usual  where  simple  merit  and  ingenuous- 
ness combine,  and  real  superiority  is  vestured  in 
humble  garb,  and  is  found  in  strange  surroundings, 
a suspicious  mind  associates  them  with  deep  and 
dangerous  design.  Integrity  was  not  expected  and 
therefore  not  believed. 

In  pursuance  of  his  design,  after  his  charge  to 
Pietro,  Rudolph  summoned  from  among  the  captives 
a knight  of  unusually  large  stature.  This  person  was 
a Thuringian  named  Valens,  who  had  furiously 
charged  Rudolph  at  the  Marchfield,  and  had  slain 
his  horse  and  almost  succeeded  in  creating  a vacancy 
in  the  empire.  ‘‘Valens,’’  said  the  emperor,  “you 
are  a tried  soldier  and  a brave  knight.  I honor 
valor  wherever  I find  it,  and  if  I mistake  not  yoi; 

12 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


73 


are  now  released  from  any  engagement  on  the  Bohe- 
mian side.”  Valens  replied  that  he  did  not  very 
clearly  understand  his  position.  But  hitherto  his 
campaign  had  been  brief  and  unprofitable,  and  no 
prospect  of  better  employment  seemed  before  him. 
‘‘I  admire  your  energy  and  fidelity,”  added  the  em- 
peror, “and  if  you  will  serve  me  with  as  much 
honor  as  you  served  the  King  of  Bohemia  I shall 
know  how  to  apportion  you  a recompense  worthy  of 
your  knighthood.”  “I  gave  my  word  to  serve 
during  the  campaign,”  replied  Valens,  “and  as  far 
as  I can  observe  that  is  already  ended.  I know 
not  how  I am  under  further  obligation.” 

“So  far  as  I can  judge,”  added  the  emperor,  “ser- 
vice with  me  is  now  likely  to  be  continuous.  There 
is  no  formidable  enemy,  and  although  there  will  be 
many  petty  disturbers,  chiefly  robbers,  I anticipate  no 
further  serious  campaigns.  Otakar’s  body  is  now 
embalmed  in  Vienna,  and  his  campaigns  are  over.” 
“Then  I accept  your  highness’  proposition,”  said 
Valens,  “and  I pledge  my  knightly  word  to  a knight’s 
fidelity.” 

Rudolph  then  instructed  Valens  to  select  such  ret- 
inue as  he  chose  among  those  whom  he  could  un- 
dertake to  control.  “Your  orders  will  be  handed  to 
you  under  seal  in  the  morning.  You  will  depart  for 
the  northwest  at  full  day,  and  you  will  not  break 
the  seal  of  your  orders  until  you  have  passed  at 
least  ten  miles  from  the  camp.  You  will  depart  with 
all  possible  quietness,  and  communicate  your  journey 
or  its  direction  to  no  man.’^ 


74 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


Having  dismissed  Valens,  Rudolph’s  attention  was 
at  once  engaged  by  his  son  Albert,  Bishop  Bruno, 
Seyfried  von  Ehrenberg,  his  brother  Biernhard  von 
Wolkiersdorf  and  Milota  of  Dadicz.  These  persons 
had  been  engaged  in  earnest  conversation  and  had 
cast  very  frequent  and  angry  glances  towards  the 
group  containing  Lord  Zawis,  Lord  Boppo,  the 
Chancellor,  Solomon  and  Duke  Nicolas,  joined  at 
a late  hour  by  Otto  the  Tall  of  Brandenburg. 

“Your  highness  may  well  argue  some  design  of  im- 
portance being  fabricated,’’  observed  Bruno.  “Hiked 
not  the  tone  of  the  infidel  Jew’s  harangue  this  even- 
ing, although  I think  I divine  your  highness’  purpose 
in  eliciting  it.” 

“Be  at  peace,  good  bishop,”  replied  Rudolph  half 
gaily,  and  with  that  sardonic  humor  that  he  could 
assume;  “that  flock  consists  not  of  birds  of  one 
species,  or  they  might  fly  together.  There  are  too 
many  varieties  there  to  form  one  covey.” 

“It  is  strange  indeed  that  such  apparent  com- 
munity of  sentiment  should  be  observable  among 
men  of  such  diverse  origin  and  station,”  observed 
Albert.  “I  like  not  these  confidential  associations. 
Mischief  is  easily  brewed  in  such  an  earnest  con- 
clave, impromptu  though  it  may  have  been.” 

“Nicolas  fought  most  viciously  against  us,”  observed 
Seyfried  von  Ehrenberg,  “and  I cannot  accept  his 
sudden  conversion  to  our  side.  But  for  his  fierce 
resistance  his  tyrannical  father  must  have  fallen 
much  earlier.” 

^^How  know  yoq  th^t?”  sharply  inquired  Rudolph. 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


75 


“Because  it  was  my  brother’s  spear  and  mine  that 
dispatched  Otakar,”  replied  Seyfried. 

“Wherefore  was  not  this  circumstance  previously 
reported?'’  inquired  the  emperor  with  a severe  look. 
“It  was  most  important, and  might  have  spared  us  a 
severe  search.  I am  not  pleased  at  this  tardy  re- 
port.” Thereupon  Seyfried  and  his  brother  at  once 
retired  from  the  emperor’s  presence.  “Nicolas  shall 
pay  the  penalty  for  this,”  he  muttered,  “and  that 
speedily  if  any  favoring  chance  be  presented.” 

The  emperor  accosted  the  remaining  group,  and  at 
once  Lord  Zawis  addressed  him.  “We  most  loyally 
congratulate  your  highness,”  said  he;  “previous  op- 
portunity did  not  present  itself.  Your  highness  may 
command  our  most  ready  and  complete  efforts  to 
pacify  and  protect  the  open  country  now  we  fear 
subject  to  the  inevitable  consequences  of  defeat.” 

“It  may  not  become  me  to  speak,  perhaps,”  ob- 
served Nicolas,  who  bore  a striking  resemblance  to 
his  father;  “but  if  any  efforts  of  mine  can  render 
your  highness’  task  easier  or  more  effectual  in  re- 
storing order  and  industry,  no  more  willing  or  loyal 
servant  is  now  living.” 

“Our  new  friend  Solomon  is  versed  in  the  art  of 
government,”  observed  the  Chancellor,  “and  his 
knowledge  is  as  valuable  as  his  talents  are  conspic- 
uous. I am  sure  his  counsel  would  aid  us  materially.” 

“Gentlemen,”  said  Rudolph,  “your  expressions  of 
loyalty  and  devotion  are  more  welcome  and  timely 
than  you  seem  to  think.  We  move  our  camp  to- 
morrow morning,  and  your  presence  at  headquarters 


70 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


until  further  orders  is  hereby  required.  Your  ser- 
vices shall  be  employed  as  there  may  be  occasion. 
I must  now  seek  a few  hours  recuperation.’^ 

“That  evil  enemy  of  the  Lord,  an  imperial  coun- 
selor!” observed  Bruno  aside.  “Perhaps  I can  find 
means  to  enlighten  his  highness  of  the  error  of  his 
ways  in  that  respect;  and  I doubt  whether  the  infidel 
Solomon  can  long  sustain  himself  in  an  exalted 
station  from  which  the  counsel  of  the  Lord  has  long 
banished  his  race  to  be  the  despised  of  mankind.” 

Solomon  retired,  as  invited,  to  the  quarters  oc- 
cupied by  Don  Abraham.  Nicolas  and  Lord  Zawis 
withdrew  together,  and  Bishop  Bruno  also  sought  his 
resting  place, but  not  to  sleep.  During  several  hours 
he  penned  a lengthy  epistle  to  Rome,  and  giving  in 
full  detail  a narration  of  the  eventful  day’s  deliber- 
ations he  earnestly  sought  for  specific  instructions, 
even  for  the  minute  particulars  that  he  explained. 
The  dispatch  was  entrusted  to  a dark-robed  brother 
before  daylight,  and  this  messenger  speedily  and 
cautiously  retired  from  the  camp.  “The  Jew  shall 
remember  this  day,”  was  Bruno’s  last  exclamation. 

Early  next  morning  Valens  received  sealed  orders, 
and  together  with  Pic:tro  and  a few  troopers  almost 
as  wild  looking  as  the  depredators  around,  departed 
on  his  mission.  The  party  traveled  rapidly  for  a 
few  miles.  In  fact  the  evidences  of  pillage  abounded 
on  every  hand.  Not  a dwelling  remained  unran- 
sacked; the  population  apparently  had  fled.  Some 
stray  cattle  and  other  domestic  creatures  wandered 
around  aimlessly,  as  if  in  wonder,  totally  untqnded. 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


n 


Wells  were  broken  and  filled  in  with  stone  and  rub- 
bish; fruit  trees  and  vines  hacked  and  broken ; gates, 
doors,  windows  or  the  wide  shutters  that  apologized 
for  such,  smashed  in  wantonness;  fodder  burned, 
smouldering  fires  in  all  directions.  Further  on  the 
bodies  of  victims  lay  in  fields,  on  the  road,  and  in 
the  ruined  cottages.  Still  further  the  stronger  fires 
still  blazed,  as  the  depredators  advanced  into  the 
country.  Broken  domestic  furniture,  crockery  and 
torn  clothing  lay  around.  Dogs  yelped  from  behind 
the  walls  and  then  hurried  snarling  away.  Some 
dead  horses  lay  scattered,  the  shoes  torn  off.  Un- 
garnered crops  lay  neglected,  over-ripe,  and  fast 
spoiling  in  the  sun.  Hurried  devastation  every- 
where. Smoke  arose  on  every  hill,  and  lay  thick  on 
every  valley.  The  cavalcade  advanced  and  at  length 
sought  for  water.  Every  well  had  been  broken  in, 
and  many  contained  the  bodies  of  animals  or  human 
beings,  or  both.  Every  pr'oof  was  presented  of  a 
most  peaceful,  industrious  and  thrifty  agricultural 
population.  Here  and  there  a stronger  edifice  held 
out  by  walls  or  moat  against  the  marauders;  but 
in  such  case  the  fields  had  been  wasted  and  burned 
to  the  very  gates.  Measurement  of  the  distance  was 
entirely  forgotten  by  the  travelers.  They  hurried  on 
hour  after  hour  as  well  as  the  rough  road  would 
permit,  the  horses  sweating  in  excess  from  want  of 
water.  ^^Our  chargers’  feet  are  in  bad  condition,” 
said  Valens,  “neglected  during  several  weeks,  and 
should  they  cast  shoes  now  our  case  would  be  in- 
convenient.” A range  of  low  hills  being  passed,  to- 


78 


PARTIES  CONSPIRACIES 


wards  afternoon  the  party  came  insight  of  a burning 
village  situated  in  a rich  and  retired  meadow.  Here 
were  assembled  one  troop  of  the  miscreants,  engaged 
in  the  fell  work  of  plunder  and  devastation.  The 
road  traversed  was  not  the  most  frequented  in  that 
region,  and  the  main  body  had  passed  much  further 
on  in  that  direction.  But  this  troop  numbered  about 
one  hundred.  The  road  was  encumbered  with  rough 
wagons  laden  with  spoil  of  every  conceivable  kind 
heaped  hastily  together.  A score  or  more  of  vehicles 
were  surrounded  with  a special  guard.  In  these  had 
been  assembled  a number  of  the  younger  women 
and  grown  girls  from  the  plundered  residences. 
They  were  all  roughly  bound  to  each  other  by  the 
wrists  and  by  the  neck.  In  an  open  space  in  front 
of  the  little  church  a heap  of  church  furniture  and 
books  had  been  collected  and  was  at  that  moment 
blazing  high.  The  church  itself  was  already  burn- 
ing, and  many  bodies  had  been  flung  into  it  to  be 
consumed.  To  this  edifice  the  eyes  of  all  the  girls 
were  directed;  and  when  the  flames  shot  up  and 
roared,  a piercing  cry  of  lamentation  and  woe  arose 
at  once,  for  there  the  helpless  maidens  beheld  the 
remains  of  parents  and  kindred, and  some  of  younger 
brothers  and  sisters,  consigned  to  incineration  at  the 
hands  of  savages  incarnate.  The  agony  of  the  girls 
was  all  the  more  poignant  as  not  one  hand  could  be 
lifted  to  dry  a tear,  or  shade  the  evidences  of  misery 
behind  the  veil  of  shawl  or  of  kerchief. 

As  the  troop  rode  up,  and  the  plunderers  caught 
full  view  of  the  armed  strangers,  they  at  once  gathered 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


79 


for  a conflict.  “We  are  only  wayfarers,  brothers,’^ 
exclaimed  Valens;  “we  would  pass  undisturbed.’’ 
“You  can  travel  without  those  horses,”  replied  the 
bandits. 

At  once  a rush  was  made  towards  them.  The 
way  in  front  was  blocked.  A hundred  fierce  savages 
seized  both  bridles  and  riders.  The  latter  were 
speedily  dismounted,  and  Valens  recognized.  “Oh, 
ho,  it  is  you,  impudence!”  exclaimed  a burly -robber. 
“But  yesterday  you  rode  over  us,  and  glad  may  you 
be  if  your  neck  be  not  cracked  as  a recompense.” 
Valens  was  speedily  overpowered  and  bound  to  a 
wagon.  The  others  clearly  bore  the  outward  marks 
of  consanguinity,  at  least  in  tendency  and  occupa- 
tion, with  the  brigands,  and  at  once  seeing  their 
plight  joined  the  party.  Pietro  kept  quiet  and  was 
almost  overlooked.  He  was,  however,  lightly  bound 
to  a fellow  prisoner,  a man  of  grave  demeanor,  who 
gave  sign  of  grief  only  by  extreme  pallor.  All  his 
armor  was  stripped  roughly  from  the  doughty  Thur- 
ingian,  and  some  severe  bruises  from  rough  cudgels 
set  in  place  of  it.  Valens’  packet  of  instructions, 
still  unopened,  was  discovered,  and  being  purposely 
expressed  in  Latin  was  unintelligible  to  the  ruffians 
present.  “I  can  explain  that  to  you,”  exclaimed 
Pietro,  “if  you  so  desire.  But  you  must  allow  me  to 
examine  it.”  It  was  as  follows: 

“The  bearer,  Valens  of  Thuringia,  was  a soldier  in 
the  Bohemian  army.  He  is  now  in  my  service;  and 
is  ordered  to  proceed  with  all  haste  in  order  that  the 
wretches  who  now  plunder  the  country  may  be 


80 


PARTIES  ANDCONSPIRACIES 


punished  as  speedily  as  possible,  and  either  slain  or 
driven  from  the  land 

‘‘Rudolph,  Imp.” 

Whether  the  emperor  designed  the  foregoing  as  a 
snare,  knowing  that  his  messenger  must  inevitably 
be  waylaid,  or  it  was  his  purpose  to  discover  the 
extent  to  which  the  roads  were  then  unsafe,  may  be 
judged  from  Rudolph's  known  dissimulation,  and 
iron  resentment  under  a veil  of  good  humor. 

“Oh,  ho,  you  are  dispatched  to  murder  us,  are 
you.^”  roared  the  crowd;  “we  shall  see  to  that.”  At 
once  the  wretched  Valens  was  seized  by  the  fierce, 
resentful  rabble,  and  hung  with  a rope  of  withes 
from  the  nearest  tree.  The  miserable  victim  slowly 
choked,  and  struggled  long  in  his  agony.  Pietro 
was  at  once  released  both  from  Rudolph  and  his 
escort  and  left  to  his  own  resources. 

The  banditti  soon  settled  down  in  a rough  en- 
campment, having  resolved  to  start  with  their  slaves 
and  other  plunder  by  the  earliest  light.  They  were 
already  aware  that  the  Hungarian  contingent  of 
Rudoph’s  army, under  King  Ladislaus  in  person,  had 
encamped  since  the  battle  apart  from  the  imperial 
troops,  and  had  accumulated,  immense  plunder.  In 
fact  the  entire  contents  of  Otakar’s  camp  were  in 
their  hands,  and  thousands  of  captives  of  all  ranks 
held  either  for  ruinous  ransom,  or  for  sale  into 
slavery  in  the  east  and  south. 

In  order  to  avoid  any  larger  body  of  troops  under 
Zawis  or  Milota  of  Dedicz,  known  to  be  also  now 
permitted  to  return  home,  the  miscreants  divided 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


81 


their  company  into  two  bands,  resolved  to  pursue 
separate  routes,  both  having  the  same  objective 
point,  the  city  of  Gran  in  Hungary. 

Wild  hilarity  arose  in  the  rough  encampment. 
Coarse  songs  and  jests  mingled  strangely  v^ith  the 
lamentations  of  the  prisoners.  These  creatures, 
ch'efly  young  women  and  grown  girls,  had  never  be- 
fore been  separated  from  parents  and  neighbors  in 
their  quiet  villages.  The  shock  of  sudden  seizure, 
and  the  violence  and  destruction  to  their  homes, ren- 
dered them  crazed  and  hysterical.  But  one  or  two 
of  their  number  retained  more  control  of  their  judg- 
ment. These  exerted  themselves  to  encourage  their 
despairing  sisters.  With  fiendish  cunning  the  ma- 
rauders selected  one  of  these  to  accompany  each 
caravan,  in  order  to  appease  the  weeping  unfortu- 
nates. More  presentable  appearance  and  an  earlier 
market  formed  the  only  motive  for  this  proceeding. 
The  two  groups  bade  each  other  a most  affection- 
ate farewell.  One  of  these  two  leaders  seemed  to 
be  universally  a favorite;  and  all  expended  especial 
fervor  in  their  final  greetings.  “Farewell,  Eudocia, 
dear,”  they  cried  amid  choking  sobs,  “and  if  we 
never  meet  again  on  earth  you  shall  live  in  our 
hearts  forever.” 

Little  souvenirs,  of  no  inherent  value,  were 
exchanged  all  around.  Locks  of  hair  were  rudely 
cut,  knotted  up  with  shreds  of  string  or  cotton  or 
woolen  torn  from  raiment  all  too  scanty.  Kisses 
and  melting  tears  commingled  the  emotions  and 
heart-  throbs  of  young  and  suffering  souls,  and  the 


8^ 


ARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


two  groups  parted  on  the  eve,  as  they  expected, 
of  a dreadful  future, 

“All  this  is  agonizing,^’  exclaimed  Pietro  to  the 
grave  person  already  mentioned.  “Even  so,  my 
brother,’’  replied  the  stranger,  “but  I have  seen  many 
such  in  Bohemia,  We  seem  to  be  the  prey  of  all 
the  ruffians  of  the  East.  During  Otakar’s  days  we 
enjoyed  protection,  and  the  safety  of  his  people  from 
similar  inroads  formed  the  fundamental  reason  of  his 
seemingly  ambitious  policy.  But  henceforth,  weep, 
Bohemia,  weep!  lament,  O Moravia,  in  thy  deso- 
lation! for  the  foe  ravages  at  his  pleasure,  and  a 
more  devastating  enemy  than  the  Cumanians  now 
controls  the  destinies  of  the  nation.  But,  good 
brother,  canst  thou  not  add  a word  of  consolation  to 
these  afflicted  children.” 

“Speak  up,  stranger,  ” added  one  who  overheard 
the  last  remark;  “we  would  have  a song.  Thou 
comest  not  unprovided  with  jingles.” 

“A  song,  jongleur,”  exclaimed  the  crowd;  “thou 
must  earn  thy  entertainment  at  this  castle.”  “A 
song,  a song!”  shouted  the  whole  vagabond  company. 
Pietro  now  became  far  more  master  of  the  situation 
than  his  jailers  were  aware.  He  knew  the  kind  of 
song,  at  that  bitter  moment,  most  acceptable  to  his 
fellow  captives.  Accordingly  he  disposed  himself 
a little  in  the  shade  and  sang: 

“My  love  is  lost,  and  a weary  way 

Have  I trod  through  the  desert  wide; 

For  a man  of  sin,  seeking  choicest  prey, 

Hath  seized  her  to  be  his  bride, 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


83 


And  his  ravening  heart  now  gloats  at  the  view 
Of  her  suppliant  grief  and  tears, 

And  pales  on  her  cheek  the  fresh  Sharon  rose  hue 
As  the  home  of  her  love  disappears. 

“But  her  lily  heart  is  as  pure  as  the  chaste 
Silver  beam  of  the  dawning  day; 

And  no  white  almond  blossom  more  sweet  hath  graced 
Virtue’s  cheek  with  its  tenderest  ray; 

And  the  pearl  that  she  bore  on  her  radiant  brow 
Sheds  no  halo  more  pure  and  bright 
Than  the  virtue  that  glows  round  her  true  heart  now 
In  her  ministering  angel’s  sight.” 

The  allusions  in  these  lines  being  among  those 
commonly  adopted  by  multitudes  in  Moravia,  Bohe- 
mia and  other  surrounding  regions  by  those  who 
desired  recognition  by  the  initiated,  were  at  once  per- 
fectly understood  by  his  audience;  and  the  captives 
at  once  responded  in  a verse  of  a well  known  hymn 
of  the  period: 

“We  wander  far,  yet  our  steps  shall  be 
On  the  rock  by  our  help  supplied. 

And  a pillar  of  light  in  the  night  we  see 
Before  us  our  constant  guide.” 

Such  response  as  this  Pietro  expected,  and  from 
that  moment  the  band  of  captives  surrendered  them- 
selves to  repose,  as  they  well  knew  that  help  of 
some  kind  would  not  be  wanting. 

•Jf  * ^ -Jf  * -K- 

While  these  events  transpired  on  the  road  taken 
by  Pietro,  others  still  more  momentous  occupied 
Solomon.  Hardly  had  the  emperor  dispatched  his 
first  messenger  when  a visit  from  Ladislaus,  King  of 
Hungary,  was  announced.  This  sovereign  had  been 
Rudolph’s  chief  ally,  and  well  knew  the  value  of  his 


84 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


services.  His  country  still  entertained  fierce  ani- 
mosity against  Bohemia,  and  the  king  now  determined 
to  wreak  full  vengeance,  especially  as  his  neighbors 
of  Poland  had  undertaken  Otakar’s  quarrel,  and  had 
formed  the  most  numerous  contingent  that  fought 
for  Bohemia  at  the  Marchfield.  Accordingly  Ladis- 
laus  had  studiously  enveloped  his  movements  since 
the  battle  in  mystery.  In  fact  his  troops  controlled 
the  field  and  the  surrounding  country.  His  camp 
had  become  an  enormous  receptacle  for  plunder,  and 
not  only  property  of  all  kinds  had  been  indiscrimi- 
nately heaped  together,  but  the  means  of  transpor- 
tation were  chiefly  procured  by  open  spoliation  from 
Moravia  itself.  All  this  Rudolph  may  well  have 
known,  but  he  maintained  absolute  silence  and  ap- 
parent indifference  on  the  subject. 

The  king  on  his  arrival  presented  Rudolph  with  a 
rich  Hungarian  saddle,  with  housings  and  bridle 
complete;  two  splendid  chargers;  a robe  of  Astra- 
kan  fur,  and  two  illuminated  manuscripts,  one  being 
the  old  Bohemian  liturgy  in  Slavonian  and  Greek, 
a remnant  of  the  community  of  Sassawa  during  their 
sojourn  in  Poland  and  Hungary,  and  the  other  a 
Russian  version  of  the  new  testament,  of  the  pre- 
ceding century, 

‘‘On  taking  leave  of  your  imperial  highness,”  said 
Ladislaus,  “I  may  express  the  satisfaction  of  Hun- 
gary at  finding  her  frontier  again  disencumbered  of  a 
dangerous  and  restless  ambition.  Henceforward  it 
shall  be  the  interest  of  our  nation  to  cultivate  the 
most  friendly  intercourse  with  the  empire,” — Ladis- 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


8o 


laus  shrewdly  omitted  the  word  Roman, — “and  we 
have  the  best  reason  to  believe  that  the  valor  which 
has  distinguished  your  highness  will  be  rivaled  by 
that  political  sagacity  which  you  have  already  ex- 
hibited on  many  occasions.” 

“Your  illustrious  highness  is  requested,”  replied 
Rudolph,  “to  accept  our  cordial  thanks  for  the  good 
wishes  you  have  expressed.  Hungary  may  rest  as- 
sured that  no  provocation  from  our  side  shall  be  per- 
mitted to  disturb  the  peace  and  amity  that  now  hap- 
pily unite  that  kingdom  and  the  empire.  The  hu- 
miliation of  King  Bela  on  the  Marchfield  has  been 
effaced.  In  order  now  to  exhibit  to  your  illustrious 
highness  the  consideration  in  which  we  hold  your 
wisdom,  I request  you  to  favor  me  with  your  views 
on  the  proper  course  to  be  taken  in  the  present  con- 
juncture. These  states  are  now  without  a formal 
government  capable  of  exercising  concentrated  au- 
thority, however  useful  their  local  assemblies  may 
be.  The  heir  to  the  ancient  throne  of  Bohemia  is 
but  a child.  The  country  must  be  placed  as  speed- 
ily as  possible  in  subordination  to  constituted  au- 
thority. Your  highness’  views  will  be  most  welcome.” 

“The  electorate  is  not  a numerous  body,”  rejoined 
Ladislaus.  “The  reduction  of  one  vote  will  not  only 
be  a serious  step  in  itself  as  tending  to  alienate  a 
kingdom,  never  more  than  half  acquired,  from  all 
participation  in  imperial  affairs;  and  any  assault 
on  the  body  of  the  electoral  college  will  be  certainly 
resented  by  the  other  electors,  who  will  all  be  alarmed 
at  the  prospect  of  an  attack  on  themselves.  The 


86 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


kingdom  of  Bohemia  will  be  judiciously  maintained 
in  form,  but  its  direction  can  assume  in  wise  hands  a 
more  favorable  tendency  in  relation  to  the  empire 
than  it  has  ever  exhibited  in  the  past.  For  many 
years  it  must  remain  subject  to  imperial  control, 
and  5^our  highness  will  know  how  to  employ  the  op- 
portunity.’’ The  King  of  Hungary  here  sketched 
the  policy  adopted  by  Rudolph's  house  towards  Bo- 
hemia for  three  hundred  and  fifty  years. 

Ladislaus  then  took  formal  leave  of  the  emperor 
and  withdrew. 

Solomon,  on  issuing  from  his  resting  place,  found 
himself  at  once  seized  and  hustled  hastily  along  by 
a guard  of  Cumanians,  who  handed  him  over  speedily 
to  Hungarian  troops.  He  was  thus  thrust  into  a 
company  that  had  already  similarly  seized  Duke 
Nicolas,  Lord  Boppo,  and  even  Don  Abraham.  All 
were  urged  forward  and  forced  to  join  the  march  of 
the  main  body  towards  the  frontiers. 

Rudolph  struck  his  camp  and  moved  by  Nicolsberg 
towards  a point  between  Oslawan  and  Rossitz,  east 
of  Briinn.  Here  he  awaited  the  approach  of  the 
nobles  of  Moravia,  who  assembled  to  tender  their  sub- 
mission. 

During  the  retreat  of  the  Hungarians, foragers  and 
plunderers  were  despatched  in  every  direction.  Not 
a town,  hamlet,  or  private  house,  not  a public  edi- 
fice, monastery,  or  even  cattle-stall  was  spared.  Dev- 
astation and  fire  marked  the  track  of  the  unre- 
strained miscreants.  The  walled  town  of  Znaim 
gallantly  resisted,  and  a numerous  body  of  marauders 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES  87 

met  a bloody  repulse  from  her  gates.  Even  Ladislaus 
did  not  dare  formally  to  assault  an  important  city 
of  his  ally.  During  this  march  the  multitude  of  pris- 
oners was  constanty  augmented,  until  it  became  an 
immense  throng.  Increasing  numbers  of  starving 
wretches  intensified  the  devastation  until  the  fam- 
ishing prisoners  became  in  turn  the  spoliators  of 
their  own  land.  The  population  fled  to  mountains 
and  morasses,  and  hid  in  caves  and  swamps,  before 
this  desolating  multitude. 

On  reaching  the  frontier,  several  organized  bands 
separated  from  the  main  body,  quietly  established 
themselves  in  secure  places,  and  prepared  to  con- 
tinue their  ravages  as  man-stealers  and  slave-dealers. 
By  preconcerted  arrangement  fixed  stations  were 
determined  on,  the  common  meeting  place  being  the 
city  of  Gran  in  Hungary. 

Of  the  Bohemian  army  remained  only  a few 
fragments.  These  discomfited  outcasts  disguised 
themselves  and  straggled  back  to  the  desolation  where 
had  been  their  homes.  Rudolph  early  took  occasion 
to  relieve  himself  of  the  presence  of  his  most  useful 
and  timely  ally,  Milota  of  Dedicz.  This  trusted 
officer’s  defection,  with  the  strength  of  Otakar’s  horse, 
in  a critical  moment  exposed  the  Bohemian  flank  to 
certain  destruction.  Lord  Witek,  brother  of  Lord 
Zawis,  and  a few  followers  slowly  and  with  difficulty 
wound  their  way  towards  the  Moravian  march. 
Each  troop  cautiously  approached  every  other  dur- 
ing the  day,  and  avoided  all  contact  during  the  night. 
Towards  evening  of  the  third  day  after  the  battle 


88 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


Witek  and  his  company  approached  the  low  range 
that  forms  the  northern  boundary  of  Moravia.  Even- 
ing’s dusk  warned  the  party  to  seek  a retired  loca- 
tion for  a night’s  encampment.  Having  selected 
their  resting  place  on  the  bank  of  a small  stream, 
they  prepared  for  the  night;  when  a sound  of  sing- 
ing attracted  and  astonished  them.  The  voice  was 
evidently  practised  and  the  air  more  sedate  than  usual 
with  a jongleur.  Another  encampment  was  soon 
discerned, and  the  entire  party  cautiously  approached. 
There  about  twenty  Cumanians  guarded  a number 
of  young  women,  several  wagons  laden  with  booty 
of  the  lighter  sort,  and  two  men,  of  whom  the  singer 
was  one.  Witek’s  company  did  not  exceed  twelve, 
but  all  bore  arms  under  their  loose  clothing.  They 
were  wholly  undiscovered.  The  words  of  the  song 
were  inaudible,  but  the  melody  was  unmistakable. 
Every  dweller  along  that  march  well  knew  it.  One 
of  the  new-comers  wore  sandals  of  a peculiar  pattern. 
They  were  more  than  sandals  and  not  complete 
shoes.  The  opening  in  front  was  loosely  secured  by 
a thong  carefully  tied  in  imitation  of  a cross.  These 
shoes  were  the  zabbata,  sabbata,  modern  sabots 
of  the  Waldensian  sectaries.  Approaching  the  ban- 
ditti, the  stranger  craved  a shelter.  Throwing  his 
arms  at  full  length  and  at  right  angles  to  his  body,  he 
at  the  same  moment  stepped  into  the  light  of  the 
fire.  His  shoes  at  once  revealed  his  character  to 
Pietro’s  practised  eye.  As  soon  as  the  wearied 
troop  sank  to  sleep,  for  they  kept  no  sentinel,  Pietro 
and  his  new  auxiliary  quietly  withdrew  Eudocia  and 


PARTIES  AND  CONSPIRACIES 


89 


two  of  her  companions.  To  liberate  them  all  must 
create  a burden  which  their  small  number  could  not 
protect.  These  young  women  had  been  suddenly 
seized  by  a marauding  body  of  the  banditti  who  had 
penetrated  into  that  part  of  the  country,  and  had 
been  borne  off  from  among  the  cottagers  during  the 
absence  of  the  military  population.  Hastily  retiring 
to  a separate  camp  with  their  new  acquisition  of  num- 
bers, W'itek  and  his  followers  watched  with  true 
military  precision,  all  the  more  strict  as  the  young 
women  had  been  recognized  by  Witek  as  being 
members  of  his  brother’s  household.  In  the  early 
dawn  this  party  hastily  retreated  along  a track  well 
known  to  them.  The  same  day  placed  the  low 
mountain  range  between  them  and  pursuit,  and  they 
toiled  wearily  along  the  desolate  path.  Two  more 
days  of  painful  travel,  especially  exhausting  to  Eu- 
docia  and  her  companions,  found  the  party  at  length 
within  the  walls  of  Furstenberg,  the  strong  castle  of 
Lord  Zawis. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


furstenberg:  friends  and  foes. 

The  speedy  arrival  of  Lord  Zawis,  accompanied 
by  his  train  and  a number  of  strangers,  some  of 
whom  seemed  to  be  ecclesiastics,  although  their 
dress  did  not  distinctly  announce  that  character, 
created  order  in  the  prevailing  noise  and  confusion. 

The  residents  of  the  fortress  at  once  indicated  by 
their  strict  demeanor  the  trained  habits  of  persons 
subject  to  formal  discipline  under  a leader  whom 
they  feared  and  respected.  After  a brief  rest  and  a 
hasty  meal,  rendered  doubly  necessary  by  the  desti- 
tute condition  of  the  country.  Lord  Zawis  assembled 
all  the  persons  now  present  within  the  walls. 

Addressing  the  motley  throng,  he  said:  ^‘The 
present  calamitous  condition  of  public  affairs  com- 
pels us  to  take  instant  measures  for  our  safety. 
We  are  situated  now  on  the  frontier  of  Bohemia, 
and  may  feel  the  first  shock.  We  are  imperfectly 
prepared  for  defence.  Our  means,  scanty  as  they 
are,  most  heartily  I place  at  your  disposal,  but  those 
persons  whose  homes  lie  beyond  us  will  act  with 
prudence  if  they  join  their  friends  and  prepare 
against  impending  perils.  Our  garrison  and  imme- 
diate friends  must  instantly  assume  a fixed  place  and 

90 


FURSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  AND  FOES 


91 


specific  duties.”  Hereupon  Lord  Witek,  without 
further  order,  summoned  the  garrison  to  their  ranks, 
and  assigned  each  his  post.  Those  who  could  claim 
no  residence  retired  north  or  west,  taking  with  them 
many  fugitives.  Remained  now  Pietro,  Eudocia  and 
her  companions;  the  ecclesiastics,  and  a number  of 
refugees  too  much  exhausted  for  travel.  Seeing 
Pietro,  Lord  Zawis  requested  him  to  retire  into  the 
main  hall,  where  he  would  converse  with  him  apart. 

To  the  ecclesiastical  strangers  Lord  Zawis  ap- 
proached regarding  them  steadfastly,  retaining  a 
few  of  his  own  trusted  followers  about  his  person. 
The  strangers  had  traveled  well-mounted  and  seemed 
to  be  men  well  used  to  knightly  duties.  Their 
bearing  appeared  soldierly,  and  they  recognized 
one  leader  who  signified  his  commands  by  signs. 
Over  a semi-military  dress,  including  a cuirass, 
they  bore  a dark  robe;  and  over  this  outer  dress 
hung  suspended  an  emblem  of  a new  device.  It 
consisted  of  a cross  of  equal  arms,  fleurie,  quarterly 
sable  and  argent.  “Friends,”  exclaimed  Lord 
Zawis,  “and  I think  I may  add,  brothers  in  arms, 
the  rules  of  hospitality  and  knighthood  compel 
me  to  bid  you  welcome.  But  the  times  require 
me  also  to  discover  friend  from  foe.  Who  are  you, 
and  whence  do  you  come?  The  badge  you  wear  is 
nevv^  to  me,  and  if  mistake  not,  foreign  also.”  “We 
are  of  the  Order  of  Jesus  Christ,”  replied  the  spokes- 
man, “and  we  require  all  persons  faithful  to  the 
church,  and  the  foes  of  heresy,  to  marshal  themselves 
with  us,  under  such  penalties  as  the  church  may 


92 


FURSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  AND  FOES 


order.”  “You  are  welcome,  Sir  Knight,”  replied 
Lord  Zawis.  “I  know  of  no  heretics  in  Bohemia, 
except  those  who  conspire  against  the  ancient  laws 
and  constitutional  independence  of  our  country. 
From  your  profession  of  faith,  you  will,  of  necessity, 
aid  in  repelling  foreign  aggression  on  our  walls,  and 
obey,  like  good  knights,  the  orders  of  the  highest 
authority  of  the  fortress.”  “We  will  obey  such  or- 
ders as  are  conformable  to  our  specific  duties,  and 
none  other,”  replied  the  spokesman.  “I  am  entitled 
to  know  your  name  and  rank,”  said  Lord  Zawis, 
“and  those  of  your  companions.”  “My  name  in 
knighthood  is  Brother  Primus,”  replied  the  stranger, 
“and  my  companions  are  named  Brother  Secundus, 
and  Brother  Tertius.  We  claim  no  preeminence 
but  such  as  more  success  in  uprooting  heresy  may 
confer.”  At  this  point  Lord  Witek  arrived,  and  after 
brief  conference  with  him  Lord  Zawis  said:  “My 
brother  will  assign  you  quarters;  and  if  you  are  not 
perfectly  content  therewith,  and  further,  if  you  do 
not  exhibit  to  my  satisfaction  the  soldierly  subordi- 
nation that  your  professed  knighthood  requires,  and 
demean  yourselves  as  true  men,  you  shall  receive 
more  than  liberty  to  retire  whither  you  will.” 

Perplexed  by  the  'apparition  of  these  strangers. 
Lord  Zawis  retired  to  his  own  apartments  for  re- 
flection. “Would  I had  good  Lord  Boppo  here,” 
he  exclaimed  in  a low  tone.  “These  intruders  bode 
us  no  good,  and  Lord  Boppo  is  fully  advised  of  their 
probable  character.  I had  not  heard  of  the  Order 
of  Jesus  Christ,  and  I surmise  it  is  one  of  those  new 


FURSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  .^ND  FOES 


93 


imitations  of  chivalry  that  would  pervert  the  loftiest 
impulses  of  true  manhood  from  the  defence  of  the 
pilgrim,  and  the  protection  of  dames  and  children, 
to  the  distorted  and  evil  energy  of  fanatics’  cruelty, 
against  the  inherent  right  of  every  man  to  obey  in 
his  thoughts  and  actions  those  impulses  of  his  own 
constitution  that  are  the  necessary  expression  of  the 
qualities  his  Maker  has  thought  good  to  have  him 
consist  of.  In  obeying  those  impulses  in  thought, 
belief  and  action,  he  truly  utters  the  voice  that  God 
has  endowed  him  with.” 

Absorbed  in  these  reflections,  Lord  Zawis  passed 
within.  Pietro  retired  to  the  great  hall,  and  here 
Eudocia  sat,  and  two  or  three  apparently  aged  women 
near  her.  As  Pietro  entered  Eudocia  wearily  ad- 
vanced to  meet  him.  “We  are  indebted  to  you,” 
she  said  quietly,  “for  most  timely  and  generous  aid 
in  great  peril.  Truly  our  good  Father  did  not  pre- 
pare sacrifice  at  the  hands  of  those  sons  of  Belial. 
He  has,  I trust,  reserved  us  for  some  more  signal  act 
of  conformity  to  his  eternal  purposes.  My  com- 
panions, who  are  exhausted  by  travel,  have  charged 
me  to  express  their  thanks  and  blessings,”  Being 
reassured  still  further  by  the  predestinarian  tone  of 
these  words,  Pietro  relinquished  all  pretence  of  dis- 
guise. “Sister,”  he  replied  courteously,  “I  am  but 
a younger  son  in  my  father’s  house.  Called  by  his 
inward  voice,  I seek  that  full  consolation  that  only 
the  perfect  can  partake  of.”  A beaming  eye,  a grace- 
ful smile,  and  gently  extended  hand,  on  both  sides 
revealed  at  once  that  unanimity  of  faith,  that  trust- 


94  PURSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  AND  FOES 

fulness  of  soul,  and  individual  serenity  that  marked 
the  union  of  two  minds  and,  unknown  to  each,  of 
two  hearts,  in  that  sacred  amity  of  inner  life  that 
betokened,  according  to  Solomon  ben  Gerson's  phi- 
losophy, a spirit  emanating  from  the  eternal  Unity 
itself,  and  forming  the  connecting  link  between  the 
divine  Oneness  and  the  identity  of  love  and  peace 
that  rendered  the  blending  hearts  of  Pietro  and 
Eudocia  indissolubly  one  forever. 

“Reverend  Barba,”  timidly  said  Eudocia — “Peace 
and  a blessing,  child  of  the  spirit,”  interposed  Pietro; 
“where  hearts  are  full  many  words  are  not  needed. 
You  are  weary, be  seated.”  Taking  her  hand  gently, 
he  led  her  to  a seat,  and  between  those  hands  there 
passed  those  tokens  of  faith,  recognition  and  mutual 
assurance,  that  thrilled  their  confiding  hearts,  and 
poured  forth  in  a steady  look  of  love  and  tenderness 
that  spoke  the  angel  grace  of  purity  and  peace.  “I 
have,”said  Pietro, “a  token;  perhaps  you  can  enlighten 
me  respecting  it.”  In  order  to  extract  the  ribbon 
from  his  robe,  Pietro  first  drew  forth  the  cross  of 
ivory.  Seeing  this  emblem,  Eudocia  exclaimed  in 
amazement:  “Where,  whence,  how,  did  your  faith- 
ful hand  acquire  possession  of  that  lost  emblem.^” 
Pietro  briefly  stated  the  events,  alluding  to  the  brief 
sojourn  with  Lord  Boppo,  “My  father,”  exclaimed 
Eudocia  again;  “my  father!”  and  sank  in  her  seat 
overpowered  by  her  emotions.  After  a pause,  “That 
cross,”  explained  Eudocia,  “formed  one  of  the  final 
gifts  sent  by  our  lamented  king  from  his  camp  to 
his  loved  queen,  Kunigunde.  It  was  reft  from  us 


FUkSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  AND  FOES  95 

with  other  treasures  by  a band  of  Cumanian  plun- 
derers. Probably  it  now  forms  the  only  memorial 
sent  by  the  gallant  Otakar  that  can  be  found.” 

“The  case,”  added  Pietro,  “remains  with  my  fellow 
traveler,  who  has,  I fear,  departed  towards  Hungary 
and  Poland,  whither  he  was  bound.  But  it  can  be 
recovered,  as  the  excellent  Solomon  will  preserve  it 
in  all  fidelity.” 

Here  a summons  to  the  presence  of  Lord  Zawis 
compelled  Pietro  to  retire,  and  another  full,  fond 
look,  another  clasp  of  confiding  hands,  another 
smile  of  tenderness,  with  open  eye  that  beamed  full 
of  the  guileless  soul  within,  and  Pietro  and  Eudocia 
went  from  each  other’s  presence,  happy  indeed,  but 
soon  to  need  all  the  elastic  strength  that  inspiring 
sympathy  can  impart. 

Arrived  in  presence  of  Lord  Zawis,  Pietro  saluted 
with  much  gravity.  “Worthy  stranger,”  exclaimed 
the  knight  somewhat  abruptly,  “I  have  reason  to 
inquire  your  errand  in  these  countries.”  Calmly 
Pietro  withdrew  from  his  robe  the  packet  containing 
the  pennon  handed  to  him  by  Lord  Boppo.  Tender- 
ing this  symbol  in  silence,  Pietro  again  saluted 
gravely.  Taking  the  token,  Zawis  regarded  it  with 
care.  Then  raising  his  looks  full  to  Pietro’s  face  and 
being  thus  further  assured,  Zawis  said:  “My  good 
friend,  how  came  you  by  this.?  I ask  that  question, 
as  I know  that  many  similar  tokens  have  lately  fallen 
into  unworthy  hands.”  In  reply  Pietro  drew  from 
his  wallet  a manuscript  carefully  enveloped.  It  was 
a Catharic  translation  of  the  New  Testament,  with 


96 


FURSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  AND  FOES 


the  formularies  appended  of  the  Catharic  ordination 
ceremonial.  Pietro  also  presented  to  Zawis  a black 
cross,  potent  at  each  arm.  ‘‘It  was  your  uncle’s 
badge,”  exclaimed  Pietro;  “and  bears  on  it  only  the 
mark  of  the  original  institution,  undefiled  by  the 
gold  of  covetousness  or  the  eagle  symbol  of  slavery.’^ 

“Forgive  my  caution,  excellent  brother,”  now  said 
Zawis  seriously,  “but  the  times,  and  imminent  perils 
and  conspiracies  require  it.  Henceforward  you  will 
find  Zawis,  and  all  he  has,  devotedly  at  your  ser- 
vice.” Pietro  then  explained  that  Lord  Boppo, 
Solomon,  Duke  Nicolas  and  a host  of  others  had 
been  dragged  off  towards  Hungary.  “Ladislaus  has 
become  our  enemy,”  said  Zawis,  “now  that  he 
openly  dares  to  exhibit  himself.  We  may  expect 
cruelties  from  his  cowardly  and  treacherous  charac- 
ter. Henceforward  he  serves  Rudolph  and  Rome, 
in  expectation  of  profiting  thereby.  But  both  Ru- 
dolph and  his  Roman  masters  always  exact  full  price 
for  what  they  do,  Rudolph  seeks  lands  for  his 
daughters;  and  the  pope  covets  money  and  power, 
and  wields  his  spiritual  weapons  to  subjugate  nations 
more  than  to  people  heaven.  But  as  you  seem  to 
be  somewhat  learned  in  heraldic  devices,  what  means 
the  new  badge  borne  by  our  ecclesiastical  knights 
just  arrived?” 

“It  is  the  badge  of  the  new  Order  of  Jesus  Christ,” 
replied  Pietro.  “It  was  instituted  against  the  Albi- 
geois  in  France,  and  its  presence  here  means  a simi- 
lar crusade  against  Bohemia.”  Looking  seriously 
downward,  Zawis  said  as  if  to  himself:  “I  would 


FURSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  AND  FOES 


97 


Lord  Boppo  were  here.”  Then  addressing  Pietro, 
he  said:  “I  must  exact  a serious  service.  I must 
commission  you  to  Hungary  if  possible  to  discover 
Lord  Boppo  and  release  him.”  ‘T  feel  honored  by 
the  commission,”  replied  Pietro,  “and  as  my  solemn 
principle  excludes  oaths  at  all  times,  so  I believe  it 
renders  asseverations  of  fidelity  unnecessary.” 

“Be  prepared,”  said  Zawis;  “I  may  need  your 
courage  and  prudence  on  more  momentous  embassies 
afterwards.” 

Being  warden  of  the  fortress,  Lord  Witek  kept 
close  watch  during  the  following  night.  When  all  was 
dark  and  still  he  observed  approaching  him  on  the 
rampart,  or  rather  a portion  of  wall  connecting  two 
of  the  towers,  which,  with  other  works  built  square, 
formed  the  fence  without  an  outer  encircling  line, 
three  dark  figures.  Instantly  giving  the  challenge, 
one  figure  advanced  and  said:  “By  virtue  of  my 
commission  I have  the  right  to  inspect  all  castles 
within  my  jurisdiction  at  any  hour.”  “By  whose 
commission.^”  sharply  returned  Lord  Witek.  “By 
commission  of  my  Lord  Bruno  of  Olmiitz,  counter- 
signed by  his  majesty  the  emperor,  now  Lord  of 
Bohemia,”  retorted  Brother  Primus.  “I  recognize 
no  such  commission,”  fiercely  answered  Lord  Witek. 
“Ho,  guard!”  Speedily  six  stout  fellows  sprang  for- 
ward from  the  adjoining  towers. 

“Conduct  these  men  to  their  apartments  instantly,” 
ordered  the  warden;  “and  permit  no  further  dark 
inspection  of  these  ramparts;  especially,”  he  added 
pointedly, “on  this  side,  where  an  enemy,  if  any  there 


98 


FURSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  AND  FOES 


be,  will  certainly  approach.”  Slowly,  reluctantly, 
and  still  taking  all  possible  observations,  the  strangers 
marched  under  guard  to  the  apartments  originally 
assigned  to  them. 

The  occurence  being  at  once  reported  to  Lord 
Zawis,  the  three  members  ot  the  Order  of  Jesus 
Christ  appeared  before  their  indignant  host  soon 
after  dawn.  “Depart  at  once  from  these  premises,” 
commanded  Zawis.  “Every  principle  of  knighthood, 
hospitality  and  honor,  you  have  violated.  I grieve 
to  find  the  sacred  name  of  Jesus  Christ  associated 
with  such  dark  treachery.”  “Is  there  no  grace  for 
needed  refreshment.^”  replied  Brother  Primus.  “The 
dungeon  or  the  highway  is  your  only  choice,”  ex- 
claimed Zawis.  “Begone!”  A strong  guard  im- 
mediately conducted  the  prisoners  to  the  outer  gate. 
Resting  at  a short  distance,  the  strangers  viewed  the 
fortress,  pointing  out  the  chief  features  to  each  other. 
Slowly  they  departed  towards  Moravia.  A brief  in- 
quiry revealed  the  fact  that  abundant  provisions  had 
been  furnished  to  them  by  some  person  in  the  castle 
whose  name  remained  concealed. 

The  first  meal  over,  a kind  of  family  council  of 
war  assembled.  The  menacing  aspect  of  affairs,  the 
desolation  of  the  kingdom,  the  appalling  ruin  im- 
pending, created  the  most  grave  apprehension.  “Our 
first  care  must  be  to  provision  our  fortress,”  declared 
Zawis.  “The  fugitives  have  not  wholly  ceased  to 
reach  us.  Our  numbers  are  unusual,  and  we  know 
not  how  soon  we  may  receive  a visit  from  our  recent 
guests  under  other  and  more  avowed  conditions.  On 


FURSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  AND  FOES 


99 


the  side  of  Bohemia  we  are  safe.  Rudolph’s  allies 
have  departed.  He  is  poor.  Otakar  has  fallen  indeed; 
but  the  electors  do  not  desire  to  see  Rudolph  sud- 
denly too  powerful.  He  would  receive  no  aid  for 
the  subversion  of  the  kingdom;  but  he  and  his  pres- 
ent advisers  will  undermine  our  institutions,  divide 
us  into  parties  worse  than  at  present;  will  stimulate 
some  against  the  more  independent  by  promises  and 
by  corruption,  and  thus  will  sow  a full  crop  of  dis- 
sension. Politically  and  with  the  strong  hand,  he 
will  do  that  which  his  new  allies  have  secretly  pre- 
pared for  during  the  more  recent  reigns  of  our  august 
but  deluded  dynasty.” 

“Have  not  the  Przemysls  been  always  loyally  de- 
voted to  Bohemia.^”  inquired  Lord  Witek. 

“By  intention,  yes,”  replied  Lord  Zawis,“but  they 
have  been  duped.  The  insidious  course  of  recent 
reigns  can  be  best  expressed  by  one  word  ‘Sentimen- 
talism’ in  politics,  and  religion.  During  four  cen- 
turies of  our  history  we  were  Bohemians  devoted  to 
Bohemia.  Our  civilization,  such  as  it  was,  grew 
up  within  ourselves,  tinctured  indeed  by  such  color- 
ing as  our  commercial  associations  supplied.  The 
natural  tendencies  and  native  mind  of  our  people 
shaped  our  politics.  We  grew  from  within,  and  we 
progressed  in  the  line  that  a growing  community, 
guided  by  effervescing  human  virtues  and  instincts, 
permitted.  Reason,  heart,  conscience,  as  our  Maker 
bestowed  them  on  us,  controlled  our  actions.  But 
within  two  centuries  past  a gradually  insinuated  alien 
sentimentalism  has  been  substituted.  We  have  been 


100 


FURSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  AND  FOES 


taught  that  a divine  commission  to  enlighten  and 
dominate  us  has  been  conferred  on  an  Italian  eccle- 
siastic. His  place  and  his  character  have  been  in- 
sidiously exhibited  to  our  youth  as  the  representa- 
tives of  heaven.  His  agents,  introducing  themselves 
into  our  schools,  have  silently  and  stealthily  stolen 
the  sympathies  of  the  young  towards  the  assumptions 
of  this  Italian.  He  is  held  up  as  a god.  From  a 
teacher  of  morality  he  advanced  to  become  a dicta- 
tor of  education;  from  the  position  of  educator  he 
leaped  into  the  attitude  of  dictator  of  social  duties. 
From  this  posture  he  assumed  to  suggest  first,  and 
then  to  control  policies;  and  now  we  behold  him  the 
open  ally  of  our  enemies,  aiming  at  our  complete  sub- 
jugation. During  this  process  the  current  of  national 
sympathy  has  been  enlisted  in  favor  of  an  alien  who 
has  no  interest  in  our  manufacturing  or  scientific  in- 
dustries, and  is  only  bent  on  extracting  from  us  good 
money  in  exchange  for  sentimentalism,  and  alleged 
benedictions.  The  respect  of  our,  population  has 
been  diverted  from  our  own  magistrates  towards  an 
overlauded  foreigner  who  has  thrust  himself  into  our 
civil  and  social  life,  and  assumes  the  functions  of 
government  by  these  indirect  means,  although  he  has 
never  been,  and  could  not  be  elected  to  any  direct 
authority  in  conformity  with  our  laws.  I am  re- 
minded of  a warning  in  the  gDspel  that  applies  to 
civil  as  well  as  to  religious  order.  ^He  that  entereth 
not  by  the  door  into  the  sheepfold,  but  climbeth  up 
some  other  way,  the  same  is  a thief  and  a robber.' 
False  sentimentalism  has  been  substituted  for  the 
practical  sense  that  previously  guided  us. 


FURSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  AND  FOES 


101 


‘‘Bohemia,  on  the  verge  of  Europe,  and  largely  in- 
fluenced by  eastern  civilization  and  habits  of  thought, 
has  long  formed  an  obstacle  to  the  ambition  of  this 
Italian.  By  an  insidious  bargain  with  the  present 
emperor,  who  has  renounced  all  claim  on  Italy  in 
exchange  for  the  fair  provinces  of  the  Tchekh,  that 
never  belonged  either  to  emperor  or  pope,  this  Italian 
now  gathers  armies  even  from  Tartars  and  Cumanians 
for  our  overthrow.  He  assumed  to  come  as  an  apos- 
tle-; he  claimed  our  conscience,  then  our  thoughts, 
then  our  policies,  and  now  he  fills  our  academies, 
our  homes,  our  fortresses  with  his  agents,  who  obey 
and  exalt  him  first,  and  pretend  some  concern  for 
our  laws  in  order  that  they  may  pervert  them  still 
more  insidiously  to  our  enslavement.  His  agents 
rob  our  city  treasuries  that  they  may  buy  meretricious 
honors  from  him.  He  has  done  this  in  every  coun- 
try, until  from  being  an  apostle  without  scrip  or  san- 
dal, he  places  his  iron-shod  heel  on  the  necks  of 
kings.  Our  walls  may  crumble,  our  lives  may  be 
forfeited,  but  there  is  a soul  in  Bohemia  that  will 
outlive  Italian  craft  and  Roman  domination.’’ 

At  this  point  report  announced  the  approach  at 
the  distance  of  a few  miles  of  a strange  company  of 
persons  on  foot,  all  in  habit,  looks,  gestures  and 
language  different  from  aught  hitherto  observed. 

“I  surmise,”  said  Lord  Zawis,  “that  these  stran- 
gers are  the  unfortunates  whose  approach  from  the 
west  had  been  vaguely  intimated  to  me  before  the 
recent  battle.” 

Lord  Witek,  Pietro  and  a small  guard  went  forth 


102 


FURSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  AND  FOES 


to  a neighboring  eminence  to  accost  the  strangers. 
Seeing  them  approach,  the  travelers  drew  up  in  an  ir- 
regular line  on  one  side  of  the  highway.  Being  beck- 
oned into  the  adjoining  land,  they  refused,  and  pointed 
each  with  a staff  to  the  road  as  the  only  place  for 
them.  In  numbers  several  hundreds,  clad  in  rags, 
limbs  bound  in  coarse  bandages,  many  with  rough 
branches  for  crutches,  many  others  painfully  limp- 
ing, all  emaciated,  dirty  and  cadaverous. 

“They  are  the  lepers  from  the  Frankish  coun- 
try,’’ exclaimed  Pietro.  “They  are  returning  to 
their  own  land,  as  these  regions  are  exhausted,  and 
they  can  find  no  sustenance.”  With  some  difficulty 
Lord  Witek  and  Pietro  prevailed  on  the  leader  to 
advance  from  the  rest  a short  space.  To  the  ques- 
tion, “Who  are  you,  and  why  come  you  here.?”  the 
spokesman  replied,  after  carefully  placing  himself  be- 
low the  wind:  “We  are  the  afflicted  of  the  Lord. 
Upon  us  he  has  laid  the  plague  of  leprosy.  We 
come  here  because,  although  there  are  in  our  own 
land  more  than  two  thousand  leproseries,  all  crowd- 
ed until  not  one  poor  cabin,  of  the  hundreds  in  each 
asylum,  can  hold  another  patient,  yet  our  affliction 
multiplies  our  numbers  until  not  a foot  of  space 
remains.  We  burrow  in  the  hillsides  for  a momen- 
tary shelter.  We  dare  not  leave  the  highways,  as 
death  is  the  penalty.  By-paths,  markets,  churches 
and  above  all  meat  stalls  are  forbidden.  We  dare 
not  bathe  in  any  stream  or  even  draw  water  from  it. 
A morsel  of  bread  in  the  place  I point  to  is  all  we 
crave,”  “Whither  go  you?”  inquired  Lord  Witek. 


FURSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  AND  FOES 


103 


‘‘To  our  own  land.  We  were  more  than  three  thou- 
sand from  different  provinces;  now  we  number 
scarcely  four  hundred.” 

With  this  most  piteous  tale,  the  wretched  way- 
farers, after  receiving  such  a dole  as  could  be  hur- 
riedly deposited  for  them,  departed;  those  who 
could  do  so  sounding  the  hoarse  clickety  of  their 
wooden  leper  rattles  as  they  went.  This  distress- 
ing scene  being  at  once  reported,  “Alas,”  said  Eudo- 
cia,  “we  are  not  wholly  free  from  this  affliction. 
One  unhappy  woman  found  exhausted  a year  ago 
by  some  of  our  cultivators,  and  refusing  to  approach 
a dwelling,  was  hidden  for  shelter  in  a hut  of  branches 
and  earth.  I found  her  by  accident  during  my  visits 
to  the  sick  with  medicine  and  food.  Kind  persons 
gave  her  a goat  to  supply  her  with  some  nourish- 
ment, and  I have  just  been  informed  that  certain 
strangers  recently  here,  notified  by  some  person  of 
the  facts,  and  declaring  that  the  poor  goat  would 
spread  pestilence  and  that  the  manifest  will  of  the 
Lord  upon  the  impenitent  must  not  be  thwarted  by 
a goat,  the  symbol  of  sin,  ordered  the  poor  dumb, 
beneficent  creature  to  be  slain.”  Eudocia  found 
further  recital  impossible,  and  a sad  silence  told  the 
mingled  wrath  and  pity  of  the  assembly. 

“You  will  attend  me  this  afternoon,”  saidZawisto 
Pietro.  “We  have  no  time  to  lose.” 

“Brief  words,  Eudocia,”  said  Pietro  when  they  met 
in  the  large  hall,  where  one  of  the  elderly  women, 
before  mentioned,  carefully  watched,  “are  all  now 
allowed  to  us.  Though  you  shall  not  be  with  me 


104 


FURSTENBERG:  FRIENDS  AND  FOES 


in  presence,  yet  the  real  image  of  your  being  that 
represents  you  before  the  Father,  and  is  the  true 
soul  whereof  you  are  the  worthy  substance,  shall  be 
ever  at  my  side,  not  to  whisper,  but  to  infuse  such 
words,  not  in  tone  but  essence,  as  I know  your  good 
heart  would  bless  me  with.’’ 

“And  my  heart  enshrines  you,  Pietro,  as  that 
eternal  similitude  to  mine,  given  before  the  worlds 
were,  to  form  our  united  perfection  in  the  eternal 
Oneness,  I pray  not,  as  our  Euchitoe  brethren,  for 
your  peace  which  is  eternal  love  from  above;  but 
I commune  with  you  through  the  gracious  spirit  in 
whom  we  dwell.” 

“To  your  keeping  I commit  this,”  said  Pietro, 
handing  her  the  cross.  “I  will  endeavor  to  procure 
the  case  that  enclosed  it.” 

“You  will  deliver  this  packet  to  the  king  of  Hun- 
gary,” said  Lord  Zawis,  when  Pietro  appeared  be- 
fore him.  “I  rely  on  your  prudence  and  courage. 
Lord  Boppo  will  return  with  you.  His  presence  and 
influence  can  procure  us  allies  in  the  north  such  as 
no  other  living  man  can  command.”  A small  donation 
of  money  Pietro  declined,  as  the  effigy  on  the  coins 
must  betray  him. 


CHAPTER  VIL 


SLAVERY.  DELIVERANCE.  ORDINATION. 

During  the  retreat  of  the  Hungarian  army,  if  such 
it  could  now  be  called,  a halt  was  ordered  at  the  foot 
of  the  Carpathian  mountains.  Here  a separation 
took  place;  and  a division  numbering  about  five 
hundred  set  a camp  apart.  This  band  consisted  of  a 
motley  array.  The  location  had  obviously  become 
a customary  rendezvous,  as  evidences  of  frequent 
camps  were  numerous.  Here  the  leaders  set  apart 
the  younger  women  captives,  and  assigned  them  sepa- 
rate wagons,  not  from  any  motive  of  humanity,  but 
to  preserve  their  fresh  appearance.  Next  day  they 
were  joined  by  the  same  band  that  had  encountered 
Pietro  and  Valens,  The  women  of  this  party,  dis- 
covering their  Bohemian  sisters,  instantly  screamed 
for  joy.  During  several  hours  the  most  effusive  greet- 
ings continued.  Women  hitherto  perfect  strangers, 
and  who  at  home  would  have  criticised  each  other 
severely,  embraced  each  other,  and  a scene  of  smiles 
tears,  streaming  hair,  wild  grief,  faintings,  and  ex- 
citement was  exhibited,  wholly  unrestrained  by  the 
experienced  slave  dealers,  who  well  knew  the  value  of 
this  relief  to  the  health  of  their  captives.  These 
marauders  numbered  about  five  hundred,  and  their 

105 


106 


SLAVER  Y.  DELIVERANCE.  ORDINA  TION 


victims  nearly  as  many.  As  the  surrounding  coun- 
try lay  utterly  waste,  the  only  hope  of  life  consisted 
in  keeping  steadily  with  the  main  body.  Among  the 
chief  of  these  dealers  Solomon  could  now  detect 
several  of  his  own  nation,  and  these  men  seemed 
perfectly  familiar  with  the  chiefs  of  the  banditti. 
They  had  also  unpleasantly  observed  Solomon.  A 
messenger  invited  him  to  their  black  tent.  Solomon 
refused,  saying:  “Am  I a dog,to  abandon  my  friends.^^^’ 
“Choose your  friends,  then, and  come,”  was  the  angry 
reply;  and  on  these  conditions  Solomon,  Don  Abra- 
ham, Lord  Boppo  and  Prokop,  the  grave  person  who 
arrived  with  the  second  party  of  prisoners,  enterevd 
the  traders’  tent.  At  once  drawing  from  his  robe 
the  small  casket,  and  taking  out  the  soiled  and  worn 
parchment,  he  held  it  aloft,  exclaiming,  “Let  all  the 
curses  denounced  against  the  impious  of  old  be  upon 
your  heads,  unless  you  renounce  your  criminal  pro- 
ceedings!” Then  placing  the  parchment  before  his 
breast,  he  added  in  Hebrew,  in  a severe  and  solemn 
tone, “Cursed  be  he  that  perverteth  the  judgment  of 
the  stranger,  the  fatherless  and  the  widow.  Let  all 

Ebal ” “Nay,  rabbi,”  loudly  interposed  the 

astonished  traders,  “we  are  not  thus  guilty.  We 
have  paid  our  customary  money  for  captives  whom 
these  priests  of  Belial  would  have  sold  to  Tartars 
worse  than  we  are.  We  never  dreamed  that  one  of 
the  lights  of  our  own  nation  was  among  the  number.” 
Solomon  was  master.  Himself,  Don  Abraham,  Lord 
Boppo,  Prokop  and  six  young  men  and  six  young 
women  were  at  once  released.  Beyond  that  he  Qould 


SLAVERY.  DELIVERANCE.  ORDINATION 


107 


not  prevail.  will  not  detain  your  own  com- 

pany,” said  the  dealers,  “but  we  cannot  afford  to  be 
ruined.”  For  the  moment  the  freedom  of  these 
captives  sufficed,  “It  is  the  Lord’s  will,”  said  Prokop, 
“and  I think  I perceive  his  guidance  also.” 

The  whole  party  approached  Gran  together;  and 
established  themselves  in  a large  caravanserai  a 
short  distance  from  the  town.  Solomon  and  his 
friends  came  and  went  as  they  pleased.  On  enter- 
ing the  town  they  observed  that  the  buildings  de- 
noted an  origin  and  style  not  Hungarian.  The  roofs 
were  formed  very  sloping;  there  were  low  chimneys, 
and  many  of  the  cottages  were  detached,  and  sur- 
rounded by  flowers  well  tended.  The  streets  con- 
verged to  a large  bazaar  whence  Ben  Yusuf  drew  his 
supplies.  Solomon  and  Prokop  advanced  through 
the  crowded  bazaar, and  observed  down  aside  street, 
most  cleanly  kept,  an  edifice  noticeable  from  its  style. 
It  consisted  of  a larger  circular  building,  and  a smaller 
of  a square  form  attached,  and  higher  considerably 
than  the  other.  Here  were  evidences  of  a residence 
in  the  upper  pDrtion.  The  undulating  lines  that 
formed  a kind  of  facade  denoted  an  origin  not  gothic. 

Prokop  gazed  at  this  edifice  steadily.  “If  I mis- 
take not,”  he  said,  “we  are  in  the  place  whither  I 
specially  desired  to  go;  and  the  building  I behold 
is  the  tabernacle  where  I hope  to  reach  the  conso- 
lation I desire.”  The  women  frequently  wore  small 
Greek  crosses,  the  chief  rays  growing  wider  outward, 
and  then  divided  each  into  two  points.  Once  or 
twice  the  words  of  a Christian  hymn  greeted  his  ears 


108 


SLAJ/ERY.  DELIVERANCE.  ORDINATION 


from  the  houses,  and  in  a tongue  he  partly  under- 
stood. Prokop  accosted  the  first  well-dressed  per- 
son he  met,  and  inquired  for  the  episcopos.  The 
residence  of  this  dignitary  was  at  once  pointed  out 
in  the  building  already  mentioned.  Prokop  forthwith 
made  himself  and  his  eventful  condition  known; 
and  before  two  hours  had  elapsed  a formidable  body 
of  more  than  fifteen  hundred  men  had  seized  Ben 
Yusuf  and  all  his  appendages.  The  entire  property 
was  placed  under  guard,  the  captives  instantly  liber- 
ated with  shouts,  and  Ben  Yusuf  himself  escaped  a 
severe  flogging  only  by  the  intercession  of  Prokop. 
Of  Ben  Yusuf’s  men  three  were  recognized  as  old 
offenders,  and  bastinadoed.  The  bazaar  received  the 
new-comers  with  loud  demonstrations.  The  women 
were  distributed  through  the  households,  the  men  dis- 
posed of  themselves  as  opportunity  offered.  Prokop, 
already  known  by  reputation, entered  the  presbyter’s 
household,  and  assumed  duties  in  the  religious  min- 
istrations to  the  greatly  increased  population  of  the 
place.  Don  Abraham,  with  astonishment,  found  in 
Gran  two  Mahomedan  merchants  who  evidently  held 
a position  of  respect  and  influence. 

Two  days  later  Pietro  approached  Gran,  and  with 
him  a number  of  fugitives  whose  homes  had  been 
desolated  in  Moravia.  With  this  small  company, 
numbering  about  twenty  persons,  appeared  two 
strangers,  dressed  in  dark  robes,  and  bearing  as  a 
badge  each  a cross  of  equal  arms,  fleurie,  quarterly 
sable  and  argent. 

In  the  early  afternoon  of  the  Saturday  after 


SLAVERY.  DELIVERANCE.  ORDINATION 


109 


their  arrival  our  pilgrims  noticed  a general  ces- 
sation of  business.  Shops  and  booths  closed  at 
an  unusual  hour.  Houses  were  swept;  the  popu- 
lation evidently  prepared  for  a solemnity.  Towards 
sundown  the  occasion  appeared  in  the  arrival  of  a 
venerable  company  in  the  suburbs.  Many  of  the 
chief  persons  in  spotless  raiment  went  forth  to  greet 
the  visitors.  At  the  head  of  this  deputation  walked 
Sergius  the  chief  pastor,  noticeable  as  the  only  per- 
son who  wore  a dark  robe.  This  personage  attracted 
much  respect,  many  of  the  company  advancing  to 
kiss  his  robe.  He  was  tall,  swarthy,  with  an  ori- 
ental countenance,  inclining  to  the  aquiline.  Spare  of 
frame,  and  of  a demeanor  denoting  strong  self-con- 
trol, his  grave  aspect  and  action  compelled  the 
greater  number,  and  especially  the  women,  to  remain 
at  a respectful  distance.  The  greeting  extended  to 
the  chief  personage  of  the  new  group  assumed  an 
air  of  the  most  solemn  dignity.  It  was  cordial  with 
unaffected  courtesy,  and  betokened  an  affection, 
confidence  and  mutual  devotedness  that  profoundly 
impressed  all  observers. 

^‘Most  reverend  child  of  God,’’  exclaimed  Sergius, 
‘‘truly  happiness-giving-to-us  are  your  steps,  and  the 
preparation  of  the  gospel  of  peace  encompasses  your 
feet.  Our  Father  is  gracious  to  us  in  prospering 
the  advent  of  his  servant.”  “My  discreet  and  rever- 
end brother,”  replied  Markos,  the  diocesan  bishop  of 
that  circle,  chief  dignitary  of  the  evangelical  Catha- 
roi,  for  it  was  none  other,  who  held  his  chief  abode 
at  Tragur  on  the  Adriatic,  “grateful  am  I to  be 


no 


SLAVERY  DELIVERANCE.  ORDINATION 


Spared  for  another  communion  with  the  faithful.  In 
these  sad  hours  much  outward  speech  may  be  re- 
strained. May  the  Master  whom  we  serve  imper- 
fectly receive  a large  accession  of  devoted  sons.’’  A 
kiss  on  each  cheek  mutually  bestowed,  with  much 
respectful  grace,  a cheerful  salutation  of  all  around, 
wholly  devoid  of  pride,  proffered  with  a most  affable 
smile  and  gesture  of  both  hands,  denoted  the  well 
understood  intimation  that  the  journey  might  be  con- 
cluded. The  entire  population  greeted  the  bishop, 
all  maintaining  a respectful  distance,  while  smiles 
and  happy  obeisances  indicated  the  supremacy  of 
love,  harmony  and  the  sincere  pursuit  of  those 
Christian  graces,  and  attainments,  prized  by  the 
various  denominations  then  assembled  in  Gran. 
These  persons  consisted  largely  of  Catharoi  from 
Dalmatia,  Bosnia,  and  the  Adriatic  provinces,  of 
Euchitae  from  Bulgaria,  of  the  Lord’s  Mercy  as- 
sembly or  Boghomili  from  Roumania,  Bulgaria  and 
Constantinople;  of  Waldenses  from  France,  Italy 
and  Austria,  and  a few  of  each  of  several  other  denomi- 
nations from  Lombardy,  Vienna  and  especially  Neu- 
stedt,  and  several  churches  in  Hungary,  Poland, 
Bohemia  and  Moravia. 

The  real  purpose  of  Pietro’s  visit  to  that  region 
now  became  apparent.  Being  presented  by  Prokop, 
together  with  several  other  candidates,  he  attended 
the  bishop  in  the  evening,  and  as  his  answers,  testi- 
monials and  especially  his  copy  of  the  Catharic  New 
Testament,  the  work  of  his  own  pen,  declared  ac- 
ceptability, Pietro  and  the  others  gladly  heard  the 


SLAVERY.  DELiyERANCE.  ORDINATION 


111 


invitation  to  present  themselves  the  next  Sunday  to 
receive  the  Paraclesis,  or  Consolamentum  that  they 
sought. 

At  sunrise  exactly  the  services  commenced  next 
morning.  The  church  edifice  represented  in  its  ar- 
rangement the  three  degrees  of  Perfect  or  real  Cath- 
aroi,  the  pure,  the  Believers,  in  a circle  surrounding 
the  inner  one,  and  the  Hearers  or  ordinary  inquirers 
not  yet  advanced  to  the  full  membership  of  Believers. 
Ordinary  prayers  and  hymns  being  ended,  the  offici- 
ating minister  announced  that  in  lieu  of  exhortation, 
the  sacred  communion  of  bread  and  wine,  and  the 
holy  Paraclesis  would  be  administered.  ‘Hn  these 
hours  of  threatened  woe,’’  explained  Sergius,  ‘^Chris- 
tian wisdom  and  charity  prescribe  tenderness  of  our 
differences.  Only  the  ceremonies  we  all  deem  es- 
sential can  to-day  occupy  our  devotion.  The  bread, 
the  wine,  that  is  the  body,  the  blood  of  the  J^ord,  as 
we  severally  revere  them,  are  now  freely  bestowed 
on  all  according  to  their  several  faiths.  We  relin- 
quish for  the  moment  the  discrepancies  that  divide 
us;  and  all  our  brethren  and  sisters  are  to-day  in- 
deed brethren  and  sisters  in  the  Lord.” 

Flat  cakes  of  unleavened  bread  were  then  broken 
in  presence  of  all,  wine  in  silver  chalices  all  of 
Greek  workmanship  was  set  out,  and  both  were  pre- 
sented on  a clean  linen  cloth  in  the  inner  circle  where 
sat  Markos,  Sergius  and  Prokop,  all  clad  in  black 
robes.  To  each  believer  a portion  of  the  bread  was 
first  presented.  Many  partook  of  only  a portion  of 
this,  retaining  the  rest;  of  the  wine  all  partook  in 
moderation. 


112 


SLAVERY,  DELIl^ERANCE.  ORDINATION 


The  services  ended,  and  the  remainder  of  the  feast 
being  all  removed,  a silver  basin  with  water  was 
presented  to  Markos.  The  bishop  slowly  and  care- 
fully washed  his  hands,  and  dried  them  in  a white 
napkin.  Sergius  produced  a splendidly  bound  copy 
of  the  New  Testament.  Pietro  and  the  other  candi- 
dates entered  the  inner  circle,  and  knelt  on  cushions. 
Markos,  taking  the  New  Testament, open  at  the  gospel 
of  John,  solemnly  exhorted  the  candidates  to  place 
all  their  faith  in  the  Paracletos,  and  all  hope  of  their 
souls’  salvation  in  God  and  the  grace  of  the  Para- 
cletos. Then  placing  the  book  on  the  head  of  each, 
he  repeated  the  Lord’s  prayer  over  each  seven  times, 
the  last  clause  being  rendered,  “in  order  that  thine 
may  be  the  kingdom,  and  the  glory  forever.’’  The 
bishop  then  read  the  gospel  of  John  from  the  words 
“In  the  beginning,”  to  the  words,  inclusive,  “Grace 
and  truth  came  by  Jesus  Christ.”  Then  other  prayers 
followed.  A kiss  of  peace  on  the  lips  administered 
by  Markos  to  each,  accompanied  by  a gentle  breath- 
ing, closed  the  solemn  ordinance  whereby  the  candi- 
dates were  admitted  to  the  orders  they  sought,  Pietro 
becoming  a“Filius  Major,”  and  a “Perfectus,”  that  is 
a priest  in  orders  without  reference  to  the  modifi- 
cations of  his  belief.  Few  at  that  time  did  insist 
sharply  on  technical  points  of  faith,  and  the  purpose 
of  this  special  service  became  more  clearly  revealed 
in  the  address  that  followed,  at  an  exhortation  meet- 
ing held  during  the  afternoon. 

“Brethren  in  the  Lord,”  said  Bishop  Markos,  “you 
have  asked  of  me  counsel  in  this  hour  of  threatened 


SLAyER  Y.  DE  LI  y FRANCE.  ORDINA  TION 


113 


distress.  During  many  centuries  our  predecessors, 
since  the  first  days,  have  continued  to  bear  their 
testimony.  At  no  time  has  the  church  lacked  con- 
fessors. In  the  Lord  I can  offer  to  you  no  better 
counsel  than  that  given  by  my  most  reverend  prede- 
cessor in  the  faith,  Bishop  Niquinta,  during  the  mem- 
orable council  of  Toulouse  in  1167.  He  said:  ‘The 
seven  churches  of  Asia  in  Apostolic  days  were  divided 
among  themselves.  But  no  church  harmed  another 
or  bore  aught  but  charity  for  another.  We  are  also 
divided,  and  my  counsel  is  that  we  retain  the  essen- 
tial verities  of  our  common  faith,  that  we  nourish 
our  souls  in  the  grace  of  the  Paracletos,  and  if  we 
entertain  speculative  dogmatizings  let  us  do  so  in 
humility  and  charity.  We  are  happily  united  to-day 
in  spiritual  communion.  We  number  among  us 
many  brethren  from  remote  churches.  We  see 
Philip  Paternon,  grandson  of  that  Philip  who  testi- 
fied nobly  at  Florence  in  1228.  We  have  Pietro 
Felice,  who  represents  the  church  of  Barcelona,  and 
inherits  the  fidelity  of  our  brother  Arnaldus  of  Leon 
in  1230.  We  have  Theoderic,  who  bears  to  us  love 
from  Treves  as  his  predecessor  did  in  1231,  where 
he  and  others  sealed  their  testimony  in  the  flames  in 
1238.  We  have  Prokop,  one  of  the  poor  of  Lyons, 
and  many  of  his  brethren  who  have  restored  this  land 
since  the  devastation  of  the  Tartars.  We  have  rep- 
resentatives here  of  the  church  at  Milan,  at  Viterbo, 
at  Correggio,  at  Strassburg,  at  Passau,  at  Donne- 
^zach,  at  Bajolo,  at  Vincentina,  at  Florence,  at  Spo- 
leto,  at  Toulouse,  at  Carcassonne,  at  Albi,  at  Sla- 


il4 


SLAVER  Y,  M LIVE  RANGE.  ORDINA  TlON 


vonia,of  the  Latin  church  of  Constantinople  and  also 
of  the  Greek,  of  Philadelphia  in  Roumania,  of  Bul- 
garia, of  Cremona,  where  we  are  reminded  of  the 
excellent  name  of  Petro  Gallo,  of  Aquileia,  of  Car- 
inthia,  Austria  and  chiefly  of  Neustedt  and  Vienna, 
of  Bagnolo,  of  Brescia  and  of  my  own  church  of  Tra- 
gur  and  of  Bosnia,  The  stream  of  doctrine  that 
overspread  the  west,  broken  indeed  and  divided  by 
the  troubles  that  followed  the  death  of  Charlemagne, 
yet  touched  again  the  former  and  still  living  water 
of  the  Scoti  in  Ireland,  where  the  fountain  of  life 
has  never  ceased  to  flow,  especially  in  the  northern 
region.  The  Greek  brethren  of  Dragometia  and  of 
Trim  have  met  and  felicitated  each  other.  Our  pro- 
test against  the  innovations,  the  paganism  of  our 
chief  persecutor  has  always  been  founded  on  the 
adulterations  of  the  faith  since  Bishop  Sylvester,  who 
infused  the  evil  spirit  of  Antichrist  into  the  church. 
We  reject  all  sacraments  but  two,  baptism  and  the 
communion  of  the  Lord  as  he  instituted  and  admin- 
istered it.  We  believe  that  ‘‘he  that  believeth  and 
is  baptized  shall  be  saved, and  therefore  we  reject 
the  baptism  of  infants.  We  reject  all  adoration  of 
the  cross  as  being  the  cruel  means  of  the  death  of 
the  Master;  we  believe  that  the  sacrifice  of  Calvary 
was  offered  once  for  all,  and  can  never  be  repeated; 
we  believe  that  prayers  and  offerings  for  the  dead 
cannot  avail;  and  we  believe  that  hymns  and  cere- 
monies for  pay  are  only  a remnant  of  paganism  if 
offered  for  souls  departed.  Believe  not  then,  breth-. 
ren,  any  bishop  or  priest  that  attempts  to  seduce  you 


SLAVERY.  DELiyERANCE.  ORDINATION 


115 


by  the  assertion  that  he  offers  Christ  or — blasphemy! 
— that  he  can  make  Christ  on  the  altar.  No  second 
Calvary  can  be  so  long  as  the  world  lasts.  We  receive 
the  bread  and  the  wine  without  caviling  or  sophistries 
or  prevarication  about  ‘Svhole  Christ;”  because  the 
Master  instituted  bread  and  wine,  and  no  man  can 
be  presumptuous  enough  to  change  the  form  that  the 
master  himself  sanctified  and  ordained.  Likewise  I 
would,  brethren,  in  all  charity,  suggest  that  the  cus- 
tom of  removing  portions  of  the  bread  be  discon- 
tinued ; with  some  the  custom  has  given  rise  to  an  un- 
wise use  that  tends  to  superstition.  Many  other 
subjects  I might  allude  to.  But  as  these  are  the  es- 
sentials,let  us  devote  ourselves  in  these  most  menac- 
ing times  to  the  salvation  of  souls,  to  the  purification 
of  hearts  and  homes,  to  the  education  of  the  young 
in  truth,  industry,  and  charity.  Let  us  cultivate 
sound  knowledge  in  all  useful  arts  and  sciences;  and 
let  us  ‘labor  with  our  hands  in  that  which  is  good 
that  we  may  have  to  give  to  him  that  needeth.’ 
Time  presses,  brethren.  I may  never  see  you  again 
in  the  flesh,  but  you  will  need  alb  faith  and  duty, 
A new  power  has  arisen  in  close  alliance  with  the 
scarlet  woman  of  the  seven  hills;  and  I fear  that 
these  countries,  Bulgaria,  Bosnia,  Thrace,  Lom- 
bardy, Italy,  Dalmatia,  Carinthia,  Poland,  Bohemia 
Moravia,  Hungary  will  form  the  special  field  for  the 
cruel  persecutions  of  the  new  alliance.  In  these 
lands  an  unbroken  chain  of  belief  has  testified  since 
Apostolic  days;  and  the  spirit  of  Antichrist  will  now 
sweep  over  them  in  fury  and  blood.  Be  prepared, 


iKi  SLAVERY.  DELIVERANCE.  ORDINATION 

brethren;  your  Master  calls  for  full  fidelity  to  his  ex- 
ample.” 

A loud  but  solemn  “Amen”  followed  this  earnest 
exhortation,  and  the  service,  nearly  the  last  in  those 
regions  for  about  a century  and  a half,  closed  with 
the  following  hymn: 

Thee,,  the  good  Lord,  we  now  adore; 

The  evil  Lord  disown, 

Blessings,  not  curses,  deign  to  pour 
On  all  thy  saints  alone. 

Lord,  bless  the  bread,  the  wine,  that  we 
Thy  death,  thy  life,  may  know; 

And  that  thy  grace  through  them  may  be 
Thy  presence  as  we  go. 

Let  married  love  continue,  Lord, 

^As  Paul  and  Peter  say; 

And  brethren  with  sweet  accord 
In  prayer  pursue  thy  way. 

Bless  the  baptized,  the  perfect,  all 
Believers;  let  them  see 

Antichrist  slain;  and  with  him  fall 
Sin  and  its  slavery. 

This  hymn,  compiled  chiefly  through  the  prepon- 
derating Waldensian  influence,  happily  presented 
and  harmonized  the  meeting  points  of  the  various 
denominations.  Pietro  and  Solomon  met  immedi- 
ately after  the  ordinance.  ‘‘I  comprehend  it  all 
now,’’  exclaimed  Ben  Gerson;  “and  although  I can- 
not participate  in  your  creed,  yet  I sincerely  pray 
for  a blessing  on  your  earnestness  and  philanthropy. 
We  shall  all  blend  in  the  great  oneness  whereof  we 
are  infinitesimal  atoms.” 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


WEDDINGS. 

The  distracted  condition  of  the  empire  compelled 
Rudolph  to  hasten.  Accordingly  preparations  were 
speedily  forwarded  for  the  double  imperial  nuptials 
at  Iglau.  Thither  repaired  lords  and  ladies,  aspir- 
ing knights  and  observant  maidens,  all  attracted  by 
those  delightful  anticipations  that  a wedding,  and 
especially  a double  wedding,  is  calculated  to  inspire. 
Cavalier  and  sturdy  beggar  jostled  each  other  in  the 
streets  of  the  little  town  Traffickers  and  friars, 
semi-nomads  from  Hungary,  yellow  Jews  from  Mo- 
rocco, mingled  with  rotund  Germans  all  bent  on 
business.  It  was  known  to  be  a business  transaction, 
and  every  man  felt  justified  in  deriving  from  it  all 
the  personal  benefit  that  he  could. 

The  encampment  of  knights,  all  aspiring  to  honors 
in  the  tournament,  resembled  that  of  a formidable 
army;  and  the  motley  array  of  troops  and  followers 
represented  every  species  of  wild  adventurer  in  Europe 
and  western  Asia.  In  only  a few  hearts  was  glad- 
ness, and  at  the  head  of  these  stood  Albert  of  Austria. 
He  arrived  early,  accompanied  by  a close  band  of 
followers. 

These  men  by  incessant  discussion  gathered  around 
117 


118 


IVEDDINGS 


them  a numerous  body  of  adherents,  all  bent  on  a fixed 
design.  Queen  Kunigunde  also  arrived  early,  though 
quietly.  Her  train  consisted  chiefly  of  Bohemians. 
They  located  themselves  away  from  the  Austrians  and 
little  if  any  communication  was  observed  between 
them.  The  children  Wenzel,  of  Bohemia,  and  Ru- 
dolph of  Habsburg  had  reached  the  ages  of  seven 
and  eight  respectively,  and  the  princesses  Giuta  and 
Agnes  about  the  mature  age  of  eight  and  nine. 

Queen  Kunigunde  appeared  at  the  ceremony  splen- 
didly attired,  but  wear  ing  a white  crepe  capote  denoting 
her  widowhood.  The  lady  Ludmila  of  Falkenstein 
attended  the  queen,  and  as  lady  in  waiting  appeared 
Eudocia  of  Osterna,  daughter  of  the  distinguished 
■knight,  Boppo  of  Osterna,  who  had  relinquished  his 
vows  by  special  permission  as  a Teutonic  Knight  at 
the  special  instance  of  King  Otakar.  The  Lady  Lud- 
mila had  gathered  at  her  brother’s  castle  of  Fiirs- 
tenberg  the  most  distinguished  persons  in  science, 
eloquence  and  arms,  and  her  court  became  the  center 
of  song,  music,  and  chivalry,  as  well  as  practical 
knowledge  and  philanthropy.  Her  halls  were  the 
resort  of  troubadours  and  jongleurs;  and  the  tales  of 
Palestine,  Egypt,  Rome,  and  Spain,  narrated  in  in- 
genuous freedom  by  pilgrims  of  every  rank, presented 
more  truthful  pictures  of  current  and  recent  his- 
tory than  could  be  obtained  in  any  narrower  circle, 
and  cultivated  a breadth  of  sentiment,  an  ele- 
vation of  political  principle,  and  an  abhorrence  of  the 
growing  superstition  of  the  time,  that  gradually  ren- 
dered Fiirstenberg  an  object  of  hatred  to  the  new 
policy  of  Vienna. 


IVEDDINGS 


119 


The  religious  ceremonies  of  the  occasion  formed 
only  a flimsy  disguise  for  deep  political  plottings. 
Among  the  crowd  jugglers  and  jongleurs  vied  for 
popularity  and  pennies. 

The  sack  of  the  mendicant  friar  exacted  toll  from 
every  stall  of  fruit,  fish,  meat,  and  sweetmeats.  The 
itinerant  stage  player  gamboled  before  his  booth,  and 
beggars  from  Paris,  both  narquois,  pietres,  malingreux 
callots,  coquillarts,  capons,  sabouleux  and  others 
of  the  craft,  exhibited  their  well-painted  deformities 
and  fictitious  ailments  before  every  eye. 

The  tournament  was  set,  the  reviewing  stands 
erected,  the  knights  contestant  duly  arrayed,  proc- 
lamation made,  and  the  tilts  proceeded  gayly.  Ru- 
dolph had  arranged  the  seats  so  that  a blonde  lady 
sat  next  a dark  cavalier  and  the  white-dressed  dames 
interposed  between  knights  in  dark  armor.  Himself 
occupied  a place  next  the  queen,  conspicuous  with 
her  white  capote,  and  displayed  much  courtesy  to  her, 
styling  her  “Frau”  in  most  friendly  fashion,  as  if  he 
were  not  conspiring  against  every  fiber  of  her  exist- 
ence at  that  moment.  Heroes  and  chevaliers  dashed 
each  other  to  the  ground  amid  the  plaudits  of  the 
corona. 

Among  others  the  well-known  cognizance  of  Sey- 
fried  von  Ehmersberg  advanced  proudly  into  the  list. 
At  sight  of  her  husband’s  slayer.  Queen  Kunigunde 
turned  deathly  pale,  and  Rudolph’s  eye  noticed  the 
pallor.  His  opponent  was  mounted  on  a large  Hun- 
garian charger,  of  the  noble  Tschmud  race,  recently 
imported  seemingly,  and  of  great  size  and  strength* 


120 


IVEDDINGS 


The  knight  contestant  seemed  a man  of  large  frame 
but  apparently  stiff  oi  movement, and  he  bore  on  his 
helmet  a spray  of  oak  leaves.  ^‘Now,  before  the  Lord, 
that  is  none  other  than  my  valiant  friend  and  de- 
fender, Lord  Boppo!”  exclaimed  Rudolph.  “A 
braver  knight  never  led  his  Teutonic  brethren. 
Thrice  he  accompanied  Otakar  to  Prussia’’ — but  the 
callous  rudeness  of  this  allusion  checked  all  further 
utterance  in  presence  of  the  murdered  Otakar's 
widow.  The  old  knight,  for  it  was  he  indeed,  set- 
tling himself  for  the  charge  lowered  his  lance  almost 
to  the  level,  and  on  the  signal  urged  his  great  charger 
with  a tremendous  rush  against  his  opponent.  The 
latter  held  his  shield  straight  across  his  person  and 
the  mighty  onset  drove  his  antagonist’s  spear  through 
shield  and  steel,  and  hurled  the  rider  to  the  earth 
with  the  broken  lance  still  imbedded  in  his  body. 
The  victor  rode  slowly  from  the  ring,  while  the  body 
of  Seyfried  was  borne  hastily  away. 

Two  new  knights  answered  the  summons.  These 
aspirants  were  both  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  bore  re- 
spectively the  cognizance  of  Bernard  von  Walkers- 
dorf  and  Zawis  of  Falkenstein.  Steeds  were  reined  up 
for  the  charge, lances  couched, spurs  plied,  a desperate 
onset,  a crash,  and  Von  Wolkersdorf  falls  heavily 
from  the  saddle.  He  lies  as  dead.  His  neck  is 
broken  by  the  fall  and  the  body  is  hastily  removed. 
Rudolph  himself  claims  the  right  to  enter  the  list 
against  the  victor  after  the  discomfiture  of  his  esquire, 
and  the  claim  is  allowed.  Again  lances  are  set,  a 
charge,  a crash,  and  the  Emperor  falls,  but  un- 


JVEDDINGS 


121 


wounded.  A third  combat  by  the  same  victorious 
knight  is  disallowed.  Even  imperial  rank  must  obey 
implicitly  the  rules  of  the  tourney.  Lord  Zawis 
retired  amid  tumultuous  applause  from  the  Bohe- 
mians, while  the  Austrians  maintained  an  ominous 
silence.  A herald  invited  the  conqueror  to  receive 
customary  compliments  from  the  ladies  of  his  party. 
Advancing  towards  the  queen,  Zawis  removed  his 
helmet,  and  exhibited  a face  of  singular  manliness 
and  intelligence.  Proudly  the  Lady  Ludmila  pre- 
sented the  conqueror,  who  although  well  known,  must 
come  in  his  character  as  disputant  as  a stranger. 

“Most  gallant  knight,”  exclaimed  Kunigunde, — the 
sense  of  her  own  wrongs,  the  inconsistency  of  her 
present  surroundings  with  her  consuming  grief  ren- 
dering her  words  slow  and  emphatic, — “accept  at 
once  a lady’s  admiration,  a mother’s  thanks,  and  a 
queen’s  commendation.  Receive  this  token  of  my 
profound  esteem,  and  let  it  rest  in  your  memory  as 
a pledge  from  one  who  feels  the  loss  of  a strong  de- 
fender, and  can  therefore  still  more  deeply  appreciate 
the  valor  of  a true  knight.” 

Saying  this,  the  queen  removed  a clasp  of  golden 
filligree  from  her  mantle,  and  binding  it  with  a white 
and  scarlet  ribbon  to  the  crest  of  Zawis’  helmet, 
permitted  the  hero  to  resume  his  covering,  and  back- 
ing from  the  queen’s  presence,  to  attain  his  place 
among  the  successful  champions. 

While  the  gay  company  assembled  for  this  enter- 
tainment during  the  bright  cool  hours  of  the  crisp 
and  cheery  morning,  another  company  also  assembled 


122 


IVEDQINGS 


beyond  the  suburbs  of  Iglau.  There  in  a smooth 
meadow  lawn,  decked  and  green  with  soft  grass  and 
modest,  simple  flowers,  near  the  confluence  of  two 
clear  and  rippling  brooks,  about  forty  persons  quietly 
met  from  different  directions. 

A sloping  undulation  of  the  ground,  aided  by  still 
blossoming  shrubs, effectually  secluded  the  company 
from  observation.  All  other  eyes  turned  towards  the 
scene  of  the  approaching  tourney.  There  in  the  pure 
air  of  the  early  day,  while  birds  flitted  and  sang  un- 
interrupted, the  fair  lawn  smiled  in  placid  beauty, 
and  all  told  loveliness  and*  peace,  the  little  assembly 
formed  into  about  equal  portions.  In  the  midst  stood 
a grave  man  sedately  robed;  and  before  him  two 
younger  persons,  each  seeming  calmly  happy,  yet 
with  a slight  air  of  solicitude.  One  of  these  was 
a young  man  of  six  and  twenty  summers,  of  studious 
aspect,  intellectual  and  kind.  Beside  him  now,  and 
slightly  apart  from  the  company,  stood  a young  wom- 
an veiled  in  white.  Each  bore  sabbata  tied  in 
front  in  cross  fashion.  Brethren  and  sisters,”  ex- 
claimed the  venerable  Prokop,  ^‘this  man  and  this 
woman,  of  mature  years  and  goodly  reputation, 
professing  sincere  affection  for  each  other,  present 
themselves  as  desiring  to  enter  the  holy  estate  of 
matrimony.  Does  any  brother  or  sister  know  of 
any  good  reason  why  this  marriage  should  not  he? 
A second  time,  is  there  objection  to  this  marriage 
And  yet,  a third  time.”  At  this  point  two  younger 
women  approached  the  bride,  and  two  younger  men 
approached  the  bridegroom.  One  of  these  on  each 


IVEDDINGS 


123 


side,  taking  the  hand  of  the  woman  and  the  man 
respectively,  placed  them  together  clasped,  and  re- 
tired. As  the  two  persons  stood  thus,  Prokop 
said:  “According  to  the  example  of  the  Apostles,  and 
of  our  fathers  in  all  time  since  the  command  of  the 
Lord  was  given,  this  man  and  this  woman  here  en- 
ter the  good  estate  of  marriage.  Pietro  Felice,  do 
you  take  this  woman  for  your  wife  in  presence  of 
God  and  of  this  congregation?”  Pietro  answered  dis- 
tinctly, “I  do,  father.”  “Eudocia  von  Osterna,  do  you 
take  this  man  for  your  husband  in  presence  of  God 
and  of  this  congregation?”  Eudocia  replied,  “I  do, 
father.”  Then  Prokop  raised  his  hands  and  said, 
“Let  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  of  love  and  life,  the 
Lord  of  good  and  not  of  evil,  and  the  promised  Para- 
cletes rest  upon  you  and  your  household.  Amen.” 
A manuscript  roll  of  parchment  was  then  produced 
from  a robe.  Pietro  and  Eudocia  inscribed  their 
names;  and  then  the  company,  in  a low  and  clear 
voice, sang  a hymn.  Between  the  cadences  and  pas- 
sages of  this  hymn,  intervened  as  if  intertwined  there- 
in the  happy  songs  of  birds,  and  the  rippling  purl  of 
the  brook;  the  hue  of  petals  blended  with  the  happy 
flush  of  faces,  and  the  singers  inhaled  the  gentle  per- 
fume of  the  flowers  as  if  to  mingle  with  the  essence 
of  their  song.  All  nature  smiled,  in  the  oneness  of 
perfect  repose  and  joy,  as  two  more  souls  transfused 
the  harmony  of  their  love  into  the  living  essence  of 
nature’s  gladness  around.  If  the  incense  of  sweet 
savor  ever  did  ascend  to  heaven  it  was  from  that 


communion. 


124 


IVEDDINGS 


At  the  close  of  the  service  a timid  figure  was  seen 
to  approach  to  a respectful  distance,  and  unwrapping 
a bunch  of  flowers  from  the  grass  carefully  folded 
round  the  stems  so  that  the  fingers  could  not  touch, 
to  deposit  them  on  a small  knoll.  ‘‘Oh!  Ulda!  Poor 
Ulda!”  exclaimed  Eudocia  in  astonishment.  ‘‘How 
came  you  here?  How  did  you  know?”  “Ah!  dear 
soul,”  replied  Ulda,  the  poor  leper  woman,  retiring 
farther  and  holding  her  hand  before  her  lips,  “dear 
soul,  Ulda’s  eyes  cease  not  to  watch,  nor  her  ears  to 
listen.  Teresa,  the  black  strangers’  friend  knows 
not  always  what  I hear.”  With  these  admonitory 
words  Ulda  retired  from  view;  and  Eudocia  confi- 
dently took  the  flowers,  though  observing  the  still 
further  caution  of  dipping  and  moving  them  in  the 
stream. 

During  the  evening  Rudolph  and  Albert  exhibited 
decided  bad  humor.  “Take  him,”  said  the  emperor 
to  Otto  the  Tall  of  Brandenburg, “take  him  at  once. 
I will  not  interfere  in  regard  to  this  boy.  Bohemia 
creates  more  distraction  than  all  the  rest  of  the  em- 
pire.” “True,  your  majesty,”  rejoined  Otto,  “but 
we  must  remember  that  Bohemia  is  really  an  ad- 
junct of  the  empire,  and  not  an  integral  part.  Bo- 
hemia is  a Kingdom  in  her  own  right,  the  king  rules 
by  law.  The  constitution  of  Bohemia  is  the  only 
formal  government  in  Europe  independent  of  the 
autocracy  of  a king.  Otakar  advanced  his  domin- 
ions under  direct  imperial  sanction.” 

“Otakar  was  a tyrant  and  a usurper!”  exclaimed 
Albert.  “Sixteen  years  ago,”  rejoined  Otto,  “the 


tVEDDINGS 


125 


provinces  of  Styria,  Carinthia,  and  Carniola  were 
formally  conferred  on  Otakar  by  the  emperor 
Richard  of  Cornwall,  who  had  as  good  a right  to  do 
that  as  his  majesty  has  to  confer  one  of  these 
provinces  on  you.  The  gift,  likewise,  was  wholly 
untainted  by  family  preference.’^  ‘‘Take  the  boy,” 
interposed  Rudolph  sharply.  “You  are  his  guardian 
and  your  responsibility  is  your  own.”  A significant 
look  accompanied  the  words;  and  Otto  soon  with- 
drew from  Iglau,  taking  young  Wenzel  in  his  train. 

The  queen  entertained  her  own  circle,  chiefly  Bo- 
hemian lords.  Her  accumulating  difficulties  directed 
the  conversation  towards  the  fortunes  of  the  dy- 
nasty and  the  Kingdom;  and  various  groups  apart 
studied  surrounding  conditions,  and  their  own  pros- 
pects. 

“Your  counsel  is  much  needed.  Lord  Zawis!”  ex- 
claimed Kunigunde.  “Bohemia  requires  the  devotion 
of  her  sons  and  I am  sure  yours  will  not  be  wanting.” 

“The  throes  of  Bohemia  wring  my  heart,  gracious 
lady,”  replied  Zawis.  “So  soon  as  the  present  tempest 
sweeps  over,  and  we  can  again  concentrate  the  scat- 
tered force  of  the  country,  I shall  not  fail  to  re- 
spond to  the  pressing  requirements  of  my  position. 
Among  our  first  duties  must  be  the  task  of  providing 
adequate  provision  for  the  widow  of  our  deceased 
sovereign.  If  my  counsel  and  aid  can  be  of  any  ser- 
vice they  are  most  cheerfully  at  your  command.” 

“You  have  my  most  grateful  recognition  of  your  gen- 
erous and  dutiful  engagement, good  Lord  Zawis,”  an- 
swered the  queen.  “Every  sentiment  of  knightly  de- 


i26  iVEDDiNGS 

vctiun  and  patriotic  fidelity  will  be  required  to  re- 
pair the  disasters  of  our  country/’ 

‘‘Herein  now  is  Bohemia  doubly  unhappy  and 
oppressed,”  answered  Zawis.  “Her  conqueror  exults 
in  her  overthrow  and  disposes  of  her  provinces  at 
his  pleasure,  and  conspires  with  her  sworn  foes  to 
annihilate  the  very  sentiments  that  nourished  our 
patriotism  since  we  were  a nation.  This  he  does 
by  the  secret  intrigues  of  the  zealous  minions  who 
traverse  our  land  to  betray  us  to  Rudolph’s  master. 
But  be  of  good  cheer,  lady;  if  there  be  warmth  in 
Bohemian  hearts,  and  devotion  in  Bohemian  loyalty, 
that  warmth  and  that  loyalty  would  commend  them- 
selves to  your  acceptance.” 

“Good  Lord  Zawis,”  answered  the  queen,  moved 
to  tears  by  the  earnest  sympathy  of  her  companion, 
“where  do  you  think  the}^  will  dispose  of  my 
boy,  this  day  torn  from  me  by  a mock  marriage, 
sanctioned  by  those  called  the  priests  of  God.^  Surely 
such  acts  are  neither  religion  nor  humanity.” 

“They  are,  however,  Rudolphian  policy.  Madam,” 
answered  Zawis.  “And  whatever  enormity,  pro- 
vided only  it  bears  the  semblance  of  decent  form, 
serves  best  the  cause  of  Rudolph’s  master  at  Rome, 
will  be  made  to  assume  the  mask  of  virtue,  however 
hideous  its  essential  constituents  may  be.” 

“Have  you  any  policy.  Lord  Zawis,”  quietly 
asked  the  queen. 

“I  have, Madam,”  replied  the  statesman,  “and  if  I 
were  assured  of  your  sympathy  with  its  principles,  I 
would  not  hesitate  to  explain  its  outlines.” 


tVEDDlNG^ 


127 


“Then  you  may  be  assured  of  my  personal  sym- 
pathy and  cooperation/’  rejoined  the  queen.  “I 
pledge  you  the  utmost  fidelity  in  all  your  efforts  to 
extricate  us  from  the  wiles  and  the  toils  that 
encircle  us.” 

“My  whole  soul, and  mind,  and  heart  are  combined  in 
this  dreadful  emergency,”  earnestly  answered  Zawis. 
“And  you,  good  lady,  have  this  day  combined  towards 
yourself,  as  the  representative  of  my  country,  all  the 
personal  and  patriotic  sympathies  I am  capable  of. 
In  you  I see  Bohemia  living  and  to  you  as  the  object 
of  all  my  devotion  I pledge  my  most  sacred  duty.” 

“Believe  me,  I accept  the  pledge  in  all  its  honor, 
and  my  heart  goes  out  to  the  gallant  knight,  and  the 
valiant  patriot,  who  thus  nobly  presents  himself  as 
a sacrifice  for  the  distressed;  for  sacrifice  my  pre- 
sentiment assures  me  it  must  be.” 

“Your  acceptance  of  my  pledge  is  my  highest  joy 
and  honor,  Madam,”  answered  Zawis,  “and  hence- 
forth I live  devoted  to  your  service,  until  death,  as 
your  good  knight  and  true,”  whereupon  the  queen 
permitted  a solemn  clasp  of  hand  as  chivalrous  as 
it  was  impassioned,  and  the  lovers  parted  for  the 
time. 

In  another  apartment,  whither  the  company  now 
proceeded,  were  seated  Lady  Ludmila  and  Eudo- 
cia,  and  as  the  queen  entered  they  sang  together: 

“My  love  was  a gallant  and  courteous  Knight 
And  his  spirit  was  proud  and  gay, 

And  his  chivalrous  heart  bore  him  strong  in  fight 
As  the  bravest  who  led  the  fray. 


128 


PVEDDINGS 


But  his  marble  halls  echo  his  steps  no  more, 

And  his  voice  sings  not  now  to  cheer 
In  camp  or  in  court,  for  his  life’s  throb  i^  o’er 
And  he  lies  on  his  lonely  bier. 

“Then  sigh,  all  ye  lads  and  lasses  tender, 

As  I mourn  for  the  fall  of  my  youth’s  defender; 

Oh,  think  ere  your  hearts  to  young  love  surrender 
That  love’s  smile  often  blends  with  a tear. 

“I  weep  for  my  love,  for  his  heart  was  true, 

And  he  robed  me  in  silk  of  white; 

And  a mantle  of  scarlet  and  gold  he  drew 
Round  my  neck  with  a diamond  bright. 

Good  viands  full  measure  enriched  his  board; 

Brimming  over  his  cup  of  wine; 

No  orphan  in  vain  hath  his  aid  implored, 

Nor  did  widow  in  want  repine. 

“Then  hope,  all  ye  knights  and  sad  ladies  weeping. 

Your  hearts  may  rest  long  in  such  good  knight's  keeping, 
As  one  now  with  strangers,  in  coldness  sleeping; 

And  aye  bless  that  sweet  love  of  mine. 

“My  love  was  wise  and  his  wisdom’s  lore 
Blessed  with  counsel  the  young  and  old; 

And  the  sages  replenished  their  learning’s  store. 

From  his  lips  minted  words  of  gold. 

And  his  strong  arm  guarded  his  own  good  land 
And  his  ancient  ancestral  throne; 

Then  no  alien  imposed  a usurped  command 
On  the  realm  that  was  his  alone, 

“Then  cling,  ye  Bohemian  hearts  forever 

To  the  hope  that  though  tears  may  your  lives  dissever. 
My  love  and  his  faithful  heart  shall  never 
Cease  to  live  in  the  warmth  of  your  own.’’ 


Scarcely  had  this  song  ceased  when  a gang  of 
roisterers  outside  attracted  attention,  and  a merry 
fellow  sang,  as  the  crowd  slowly  moved  away: 


IVEDDINGS 


129 


“Ho!  I am  a soldier  bold, 

And  I follow  my  captain, — gold. 

I will  bow  to  its  rule 
Though  each  pedantry  fool 
Of  a rhymer  may  rant  and  scold. 

Sing  tra  la  la — go  gay; 

Ho,  tra  la  la — ’tis  my  way; 

And  my  heart  is  ever  light 
For  a lassie  or  a fight; 

Let  us  live  a jolly  life  while  we  may. 

“Fill  bumpers  of  rare  old  wine, 

Though  the  burgher  may  rave  and  whine. 

His  last  ounce  of  good  meat 
Must  my  ration  complete, 

And  his  pretty  lass  is  much  more  mine. 

Sing  tra  la  la; — ’tis  my  fate; 

Star  gazers  and  priests  may  go  prate; 

While  there’s  plunder,  gold  and  wine, 

Dainty  kisses  shall  be  mine, 

And  old  Moloch  for  this  hosti  still  must  wait. 

“See.,  in  purple  and  gold  I am  dressed; 

Fools  may  toil,  but  for  me  is  the  best; 

And  the  fairest  maiden’s  eyes, — 

Ruby  lips, — the  soldier’s  prize, — 

Of  the  earth  and  all  its  beauty  he’s  possessed. 
Sing  tra  la  la,  boys,  sing; 

To-morrow  to  the  winds  let  us  fling. 

And  our  hearts  be  ever  gay; 

While  fools  toil  we  tramp  away; 

And  gold  and  luck  will  bring  us  everything.  ” 


This  song  seemed  so  simply  merry  and  gay  thought- 
lessness, that  the  soldiers  were  invited  into  the  hall 
of  ordinary  assembly  and  there  presented  with  some 
sweetmeats,  of  which  the  chief  consisted  of  a thin 
tube  of  exceedingly  fine  pastry  filled  with  honey, and 
called  May  Bliss,  and  sometimes  Bride’s  May  Bliss. 


130 


IVEDDINGS 


The  jolly  fellows  amused  themselves  with  the  con- 
fection and  the  name,  and  the  women  jestingly  chal- 
lenged them  to  take  an  early  opportunity  to  distrib- 
ute some  of  both  on  their  own  account. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


A WIDOW  PLEADS  FOR  THE  BODY  OF  HER  DEAD  HUS- 
BAND. 

During  the  following  month  of  March,  1279,  Ru- 
dolph, Albert,  Bruno  bishop  of  Olmiitz,  and  Brother 
Primus  held  a solemn  conference  at  Vienna.  Each 
came  to  the  meeting  the  representative  of  a distinct 
power,  then  struggling  for  pre-eminence,  to  some 
extent,  in  rivalry  of  the  others.  Rudolph  embodied 
the  imperial  power  on  the  new  basis,  assumed  since 
his  election,  of  abandoning  German  claims  in  Italy 
and  seeking  a compensation  of  equal  importance  in 
the  eastern  provinces  of  Europe.  Alberf  strove  to 
establish  the  principle  of  a new  sovereignty,  distinct 
from  the  empire  with  its  center  at  Vienna.  Bruno 
maintained  the  cause  of  Rome,  then  putting  forth 
ceaseless  efforts  to  include  the  Greek  provinces  with- 
in its  jurisdiction.  Brother  Primus  advocated  the 
foundation  of  a religious-military  authority  on  the 
principle  of  knightly  organization,  but  directed 
against  heresy  in  all  its  forms.  This  new  combinaticn 
he  strove  to  constitute  a permanent  jurisdiction 
combined  with  the  others. 

^‘A  new  era  opens  before  us, ’’said  Rudolph  abruptly; 

“we  must  confront  fresh  combinations.  For  cen- 

181 


132 


A mooiv  PLEADS 


turies  Bohemia  has  resisted  our  development.  Now 
that  power  is  effectually  broken.  They  confronted  us 
indeed  recently,  with  the  old  spirit,  notwithstanding 
the  loss  of  their  great  prince;  but  the  unity  and  re- 
sources of  the  kingdom  have  been  shattered.  Bo- 
hemia must  blend  with  the  empire.  Poland,  Silesia, 
Brandenburg,  Austria,  and  the  Adriatic  provinces 
have  been  disposed  of.  Bohemia  no  longer  possesses 
a coast  or  a harbor.  Look  to  it,  Albert,  that  your 
favorite  policy  of  an  Austrian  empire  to  the  East  and 
South,  shall  include  control  of  the  Adriatic.^’ 

“We  are  divided  by  mountains,  jealousies,  and 
tongues,’’  replied  Albert.  “Venice  is  still  strong; 
Italy  restless;  Sicily  controls  commerce;  Spain 
acquiring  consolidation.  Our  first  policy  is  to  unify 
our  populations.” 

“In  order  to  effect  that  purpose,”  exclaimed  Bruno, 
eagerly,  “the  authority  of  the  holy  father  is  essential. 
Through  the  one  sacred  Latin  tongue,  and  uniformity 
of  creed,  alone  can  the  newly  acquired  populations 
be  harmonized.  Our  chief  antagonist,  Constantinople, 
has  been  humbled  since  1204,  and  the  glorious  cru- 
sades have  placed  outer  as  well  as  inner  Europe  at 
our  feet.  By  the  former  we  have  acquired  military 
supremacy,  and  provinces;  and  by  the  latter  we  have 
possessed  magistracies,  dignities  and  lands  easily  ac- 
quired during  the  absence  of  leaders  and  defenders. 
Our  monastic  fortresses  and  garrisons  hold  internal 
Europe.  ” 

“True, lord  bishop,”  observed  brother  Primus,  “but 
while  the  crusades  have  thus  benefited  your  outward 


A IVIDOIV  PLEADS 


133 


jurisdiction,  they  have  also  liberated  from  the  East, 
from  Thrace,  from  Bulgaria,  Constantinople,  Dalma- 
tia, Bosnia,  and  even  from  Asia  Minor,  a flood  of  hither- 
to concealed  or  imperfectly  announced  doctrines,  dog- 
mas, and  communities  that  have  spread  far  more  widely 
and  acceptably  than  we  openly  admit.  Since  the 
tenth  century  these  doctrines  have  claimed  attention 
and  have  kept  the  stake  fires  active  everywhere,  and 
although  thousands  have  suffered  by  the  fagot,  the 
sword,  and  the  dungeon,  yet  the  pestilence  has  con- 
tinually spread  until  it  has  reached  from  the  western 
ocean  to  the  holy  see  itself.  The  heretics  have  bish- 
ops and  popes,  churches  and  castles.  They  are  as 
numerous  as  the  sands.  They  hold  great  councils 
and  infect  provinces  and  cities. 

“Our  clergy  have  grown  wealthy,  and  in  too  many 
cases,  proud  and  immoral.  The  heretics  have  adopted 
that  simple  earnestness  of  preaching,  and  that  air  of 
sympathy  with  the  poor  that  have  wholly  supplanted 
the  church  in  the  hearts  of  multitudes. 

“The  combined  strength  of  the  empire  and  of  the 
hierarchy  is  imperative]}^  necessary,  or  this  perilous 
invasion  will  overwhelm  us.” 

“I  fear  that  commendable  zeal  surpasses  dutiful 
discretion.  Brother  Primus,”  interposed  Bruno  with 
a severe  look.  “A  century  ago  such  apprehensions 
were  justifiable.  But  the  illustrious  Innocent,  of 
divine  memory,  gathered  the  forces  of  the  church, 
and  the  chief  power  of  the  heretics  in  Albigensium 
fell  utterly  before  them.  Rulers  have  taken  warning 
by  these  merited  punishments  to  eradicate  heresy 


134 


A IVIDOJV  PLEADS 


from  their  states,  even  at  the  cost  of  population, 
ruin,  beggary,  and  desolation.’^ 

“I  would  rather,  a thousand  times,  rule  over  a 
wilderness  than  over  prosperity  gained  by  heretics,” 
interposed  Albert.  “And  such  shall  be  the  principle 
I shall  establish  in  my  states.” 

“Every  true  son  of  the  church  will  imitate  your 
example,”  observed  Brother  Primus,  “but  our  peril  is 
still  greater  than  the  reverend  bishop  is  aware  of.” 

“I  am  well  informed,”  firmly  responded  Bruno. 
“Until  about  a century  ago  in  every  one  of  these 
provinces  from  Constantinople,  and  especially  Philip- 
popolis  to  Milan,  and  from  Viterbo  to  the  Rhine 
mouth,  every  district  listened  with  joy  not  only  to 
abuse  and  defamation  of  the  clergy,  but  to  the  so- 
called  evangelism  of  the  heretics.  From  Smyrna 
to  lerne  they  extended.  Until  Nikol  the  Slavonian 
abjured  heresy  under  compulsion,  and  from  dread  of 
foreign  intervention,  the  entire  Bosnian  dynasty  was 
heretical.  Hungary,  Poland,  Bohemia  more  than 
tolerated  the  Greek  heretics  who  had  always  affiliated 
with  Constantinople, whence  they  had  sprung.  Their 
chief  churches  of  Bulgaria,  Druguria,  Philadelphia  in 
Roumania,  of  Passau,  and  Donnezach,  of  Slavonia, 
of  Constantinople  both  Greek  and  Latin,  of  Metz, 
Strasbourg,  of  Milan,  where  a large  college  had  long 
subsisted,  of  Coucorrezo,  of  Bajolo,  of  Florence,  of 
Valle  Spoletana,of  Tolosa,  Carcassonne,  of  Aquileia, 
Cremona,  Carinthia,  Austria,  and  especially  at  Vi- 
enna and  Neustedt,  at  Bagnolo,  Brescia,  Treves, 
Cologne,  and  many  other  cities,  exercised  wide  juris- 


A mOOlV  PLEADS 


135 


diction;  and  a strong  and  regular  heretical  hierarchy 
added  strength  to  their  accursed  combination.  Their 
division  into  ‘Auditores,  ’ ‘Credentes,  ’ ‘Christians’ or 
‘Perfecti,’  ‘Sacerdotes,  ’ ‘Prelates’ and  ‘Popes’ is  cur- 
rent history.  On  this  point,  brother,  I must  suggest 
to  you  that  a worthy  effort  could  be  made,  by  your 
chosen  agents,  in  suppressing,  effacing,  and  extir- 
pating all  evidences  of  the  power,  the  numbers,  and 
the  doctrines  of  these  heretics.  Centuries  hence  the 
absence  of  proof  will  aid  the  church  in  its  claim 
of  unbroken  universality.  The  church  of  Rome  has 
never  been  either  unbroken  or  universal.  With 
difficulty  it  has  made  head  in  these  provinces  chiefly 
through  the  contentions  of  the  populations.  By  aid- 
ing one  and  another  ambitious  aspirant  the  church 
has  introduced  her  dismembering  policy. 

‘‘Your  highness  will  do  well  to  observe  and  forma- 
lize that  principle,’’  added  Bruno  especially  to  Albert. 
“Such  is  our  chief  aim,  and  must  continue  to  be  in 
all  countries.  By  beginning  with  education  and 
schools,  we  can,  as  we  have,  proceed  to  regulate,  and 
gradually  to  enforce,  our  supreme  authority,  until 
Rome  sways  the  policy  and  the  wealth  of  the  world 
for  her  unlimited  supremacy  in  all  things.” 

“The  empire  has  never  been  thus  subordinated,” 
claimed  Rudolph,  making  an  effort  to  resist  the 
sweeping  arrogance  of  his  whilom  obeisant  but  now 
dictatorial  priest. 

“The  church  has  imposed  its  terms,  as  your 
highness  knows,  and  will  enforce  them/’  haughtily 
exclaimed  Bruno, 


136 


A mooiv  PL  EADS 


“We  will  see  to  that,’’  responded  Rudoph,  now 
sensible  of  his  degradation,  and  aware  how  he  had 
been  duped. 

During  this  conference  another  scene  had  been  en- 
acted out  of  doors.  A small  cortege  approached 
Vienna.  As  it  drew  near  the  gate  on  the  Moravian 
side,  an  elderly  woman,  closely  veiled,  was  observed 
to  start  rapidly  towards  the  imperial  schloss  for  the 
time.  As  she  hurried,  another  woman,  limping  and 
poorly  clad,  placed  herself  beside  her,  and  at  once 
started  to  clicket  her  wooden  leper  rattle.  This 
fearful  sound  instantly  attracted  attention.  “The 
lepers,  the  lepers!”  at  once  became  the  cry,  and  the 
most  angry  demonstrations  drove  both  women  far  out 
of  the  town.  The  cortege  proceeded  uninterrupted 
and  on  signal  readily  obtained  admission.  With  a 
daring  arid  fidelity  that  could  be  exhibited  only  in  full 
reliance  on  thousands  of  sympathizers  in  Vienna,  the 
schloss  attendants,  first  loudly  knocking,  boldly  an- 
nounced to  the  astonished  conference,  “The  queen 
of  Bohemia,  your  highness,  and  her  retinue.”  Albert 
frowned  both  from  anger  and  disappointment.  He 
had  confided  in  Teresa  to  announce  the  approach  of 
the  cortege  in  time  at  least  to  create  difficulties. 
Bruno  and  Brother  Primus  looked  chiefly  at  the  faces 
of  those  accompanying  the  queen.  The  persons  who 
entered  were  Queen  Kunigunde,  Lady  Ludmila,  Eu- 
docia,  Lord  Zawis,  Lord  Drda,  and  Solomon.  Ru- 
dolph smiled,  but  continued  seated.  “A  sudden 
visitation,  but  not  unwelcome,”  exclaimed  the  em- 
peror, bis  srpile  somewh^^t  clouded.  ‘‘What  cbeer^ 


A IVIDOIV  PLEADS 


137 


good  frau?’^  he  added,  partly  recovering  his  self-con- 
trol. Advancing  a few  steps,  and  slightly  separated 
from  her  attendants,  Kunigunde  slowly  drew  aside 
her  veil,  and  looked  quietly  at  the  emperor. 

“Truly  as  frau  do  I come,  your  majesty,”  she  said, 
“and  my  commission  is  such  as  any  bereaved  frau 
might  undertake  Deprived  in  one  hour  of  home, 
country,  dignity,  husband,  protection,  and  of  child, 
I represent  such  accumulation  of  unhappiness  as  may 
well  commend  me  even  to  the  sternness  of  my  coun- 
try’s subjugator.  A queen  indeed,  and  yet  not  a 
queen,  I resignedly  surrender  all  state,  rank  and 
honor.  With  acquiescence  I bow  to  the  strokes  that 
have  overwhelmed  my  royal  prosperity.  But  while 
I can  renounce  all  earthly  pre-eminence,  while  I can 
lay  aside  with  serenity  the  homage  of  faithful  sub- 
jects and  the  honors  of  courts,  I cannot  surrender 
or  divest  myself  of  those  rights  of  a woman,  and  a 
wife,  that  the  decrees  of  God,  the  solemnities  of  the 
church,  the  law  of  the  land,  and  the  dictates  of 
humanity  have  conferred  upon  me.  Formerly  the 
representative  of  the  exaltation  of  womanhood  in  Bo- 
hemia, I now  simply  represent  the  claims  of  woman 
in  her  depression,  her  solitude  and  her  bereavement. 
Nay  more,  highness,  I represent  the  ordinary  claims 
of  humanity  on  behalf  of  one  not  the  least  among 
his  fellows.  In  life  he  vindicated  the  respect  due  to 
every  human  being  of  his  nation  as  typified  by  him- 
self the  prince,  and  in  death  he  demands  the  rever- 
ence of  all  men  for  his  still  unburied  remains.  In 
the  name  of  our  common  humanity,  in  the  name  of 


138 


A IVIDOIV  PLEADS 


the  rights  of  society,  in  the  name  of  that  Christian 
faith  that  you  profess,  I ask  the  restoration  to  me  for 
respectful  burial  of  the — body — of — my— husband,’’ 
the  last  words  almost  inaudible  with  sobs.  At  this 
point  the  other  ladies,  without  any  invitation,  aided 
the  distressed  suppliant  to  a seat. 

Albert  bit  his  lip  to  blood  with  vexation.  Bruno 
and  Primus  looked  angrily  at  the  floor.  Rudolph 
moved  uneasily,  blanched,  colored,  but  laying  his 
clenched  fist  on  the  table,  he  said,  with  extraordi- 
nary recovery  of  calmness:  “Your  words,  madam, 
imply  a reproach  to  me,  that  all  this  ceremony  of 
burial  has  not  taken  place.  I appeal  to  all  present 
whether  the  occasion  did  not  require  and  justify  the 
delay.  On  the  paramount  necessities  of  state  must 
the  reasons  rest.  Whenever  a great  prince  has  fallen, 
a legion  of  personators  has  sprung  up.  After  the 
death  of  our  predecessor  Frederick  II.,  more  than 
twenty  or  thirty  false  Fredericks  advanced  preten- 
sions and  caused  infinite  commotion.  Frederick  Barba- 
rossa  is  even  yet  expected  by  the  peasantry,  and  not- 
withstanding all  precaution  multitudes  of  Bohemians 
will  believe  their  late  king  is  only  hidden.  But  I 
must  thank  you  for  contributing  greatly  to  the  removal 
of  my  apprehension  on  that  point.  The  testimony 
of  yourself,  madam,  and  of  the  distinguished  persons 
present,  one  of  whom  can  certainly  certify  whether 
a man  is  dead,  and  who  first  touched  for  embalming 
the  still  uninjured  remains  of  the  distinguished  and 
gallant  king,  I deem  amply  sufficient  testimony  to 
satisfy  the  requirements  of  state.'  Sir  Esculapius/^ 


A IVIDOIV  PLEADS 


139 


he  added, addressing  Solomon,  “I  cannot  forget  wel- 
come services  to  myself,  on  the  same  occasion.  Do 
you  certify  to  the  death  of  Otakar,  king  of  Bohemia; 
and  to  the  identity  of  the  body  still  preserved,  with 
that  you  partly  operated  on  at  the  time  I refer  to.?” 

‘‘The  body  is  the  same,  highness,”  answered  Solo- 
mon, “and  I am  willing  to  furnish  any  certificate  to 
that  effect.  But  it  has  been  barbarously  muti- 
lated by  some  coarse  and  ignorant  bungler.” 

“Albert,  and  bishop,  I charge  you  as  commissioners 
to  have  the  remains  of  Otakar,  king  of  Bohemia, 
surrendered  with  all  propriety  to  the  control  of  his 
consort,  the  queen  dowager.  Let  it  be  done  at  once, 
and  I strictly  require  prompt  report  of  your  doings  in 
the  premises  to  me  as  your  liege  lord  and  sovereign,” 
the  emperor  added,  rising,  and  with  a stern  look  and 
gesture  in  reply  to  Bruno’s  attempt  to  assume  first 
place  in  the  empire. 


CHAPTER  X. 


MARRIAGE  OF  ZAWIS  AND  KUNIGUNDE. 

% 

On  the  return  of  Lord  Zawis  and  his  party  to  the 
castle,  Teresa  welcomed  them  with  much  obeisance. 
Not  one  of  the  household  knew  of  her  absence  and 
its  purpose  better  than  Eudocia.  At  the  earliest 
moment  arrangements  were  perfected  to  relieve  the 
garrison  of  all  unnecessary  persons.  Prokop  remained 
in  the  character  of  pedagogue  to  the  retainers’  chil- 
dren, a person  then  very  generally  employed  by 
wealthy  laymen  who  desired  instruction  for  their 
households  in  other  branches  than  those  adapted  to 
train  priests,  which  now  almost  universally  consti- 
tuted the  sole  knowledge  imparted  in  conventual  or 
cathedral  schools.  The  principle  enounced  by  Thomas 
Aquinas  and  Roger  Bacon,,  that  science  is  only  the 
handmaid  of  theology,  had  become  the  controlling 
doctrine,  as  it  is  to  this  day  in  similar  establishments. 
It  subordinates  the  entire  faculties  of  every  student 
to  the  service  of  the  church  in  every  sphere  of  life. 
The  total  destruction  of  a multitude  of  Bohemian 
homes  created  impromptu  camps  on  mountains,  and  in 
forests  throughout  many  parts  of  Bohemia.  The  ani- 
mosity created  by  Rudolph  and  his  emissaries  spread 
also  hostility  to  the  church.  Disorder,  destitution, 
apd  disease,  already  began  their  ravages.  Among 

HO 


MARRIAGE  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  KUNIGUNDE 


141 


these  camps  Pietro  and  Eudocia  now  went  forth, 
cheering,  consoling,  laboring.  Cooperation  among 
strangers  hastily  thrown  together,  united  action 
among  mothers  for  the  attendance  on  children  and 
the  sick,  and  an  example  of  cheerfulness  and  cour- 
age, enabled  Eudocia  to  bring  harmony  and  even  a 
semblance  of  social  order  out  of  the  dreadful  chaos 
around.  Pietro  undertook  a similar  office  among 
the  depressed  and  angry  men.  In  every  camp  a 
steward,  as  in  old  Bohemian  villages,  directed  the 
common  labors.  Huts  arose,  stray  cattle  were  col- 
lected, rough  enclosures  erected  and  new  cultivation 
promised  subsistence.  Many  died  of  actual  want, 
and  were  laid  away  as  tenderly  as  might  be.  The 
exhausted  country  gave  sign  of  extreme  dearth  of  food; 
and  in  many  places  even  the  seed  corn  was  con- 
sumed. As  the  season  of  1279-80  advanced,a  dread- 
ful drought  multiplied  the  afflictions  of  the  peasantry. 
Food  ceased.  Famished  creatures  wandered  aim- 
lessly along  the  desolate  roads  until  they  fell  never 
to  arise,  and  skeletons  strewed  the  deserted  and 
grass-grown  tracks.  The  starving  crowded  to  the 
doors  of  those  who  still  possessed  a morsel,  and 
fiercely  snatched  food  from  the  inmates.  Bands  of 
Tartars  still  infested  the  borders,  until  the  threat  of 
utter  ruin  compelled  Rudolph  to  interpose.  Amid 
these  scenes  Pietro  and  Eudocia  went;  and  by  their 
means  supplies  saved  many  wretched  camps  from 
utter  annihilation.  Many  regions  became  totally  des- 
olate, and  not  until  1281  was  the  dreadful  famine  alle- 
viated by  generous  showers,  and  the  production  of  a 


142 


MARRIAGE  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  KUNIGUNDE 


small  harvest.  Gradually  from  year  to  year  the  area 
of  culture  spread;  many  exiles  returned  to  re-occupy 
now  weedy  and  shrub-grown  fields.  Forest  and 
camp  restored  a few  more  for  the  tillage  of  the  soil, 
and  Bohemia  arose  as  if  from  the  dead.  Not  until 
then  did  Pietro  and  Eudocia  depart  for  their  destined 
duties  in  Gran.  Here  Pietro  assumed  the  office  va- 
cated by  Prokop  two  years  previously,  and  with 
Eudocia  renewed  avowed  Waldensian  ministrations 
among  the  rapidly  increasing  Christian  community  of 
that  place. 

During  this  interval  Queen  Kunigunde  resided  at 
Koenigin-gratz,  whither  imperial  jealousy  had  ban- 
ished her  from  Prague;  and  the  fidelity  of  some  Bo- 
hemian nobles  had  provided  a modest  maintenance 
according  to  the  known  purpose  of  the  deceased 
king.  At  this  place,  in  the  early  spring  of  1280,  a 
small  company  of  strangers  quietly  assembled.  These 
persons  consisted  of  some  Bohemian  lords  cf  the 
queen's  party  who  perceived  the  necessity  of  sustain- 
ing the  fortunes  of  the  royal  house  now  represented 
only  by  young  Wenzel,  detained  out  of  the  kingdom 
by  Otto  of  Brandenburg,  and  according  to  general 
report  treated  with  harshness  and  neglect. 

Here  arrived  a cortege  that  had  been  expected  and 
prepared  for,  Lord  Zawis  and  his  sister  Lady  Lud- 
mila, Lord  Drda,  several  retainers,!  ncluding  Prokop, 
and  two  servants,  Teresa  and  Milada  from  Fiirsten- 
berg.  Both  companies  assembled  in  the  queen's 
residence.  Documents  had  been  prepared  and  were 
now  spread  before  the  company.  All  being  seated, 


MARRIAGE  OF  Z A IV IS  AND  KUNIGUNDE 


143 


Lord  Drda  said,  “A  ceremony  of  deep  imp  nt  to  Bo- 
hemia is  now  to  be  performed.  As  interests  of  the 
most  weighty  character  depend  not  only  on  the  ac- 
credited regularity,  legal  formalities,  and  recorded 
testimony  of  these  solemnities,  all  present  will  ex- 
pect precision  and  due  form  in  the  preliminary  con- 
tract. I will  therefore  request  our  legal  functionary 
and  notarius,  Nikolas  Jaroslav,  to  read  the  formal 
document  that  has  been  prepared,  and  is  to  attest 
the  presence  of  the  witnesses  now  assembled.’’  Here- 
upon Jaroslav  read  from  an  engrossed  parchment  the 
following:  — 

“Before  the  Nobles'  Court  of  Koenigin-gratz, 

“In  the  Schloss  of  Koenigin-gratz. 

“During  the  minority  of  our  Lord,  King  Wenzel, and 
in  the  month  of  March,  1280, on  the  iSthday  thereof. 

“In  the  presence  of  the  exalted  Kunigunde,  Queen 
of  Bohemia,  the  LordZawis  of  Falkenstein,  the  Lady 
Ludmila  of  Falkenstein,  the  Lord  Drda,  the  Lord 
Ogev  of  Lomnic,  the  Lord  Sezima  of  Straz,  Witek 
of  Krumau,  and  the  Lady  Agaphia  Brzava,  and 
notary  Nikolas  Jaroslav:  — 

“Contract  of  marriage  between  the  Lady  Kuni- 
gunde, and  the  Lord  Zawis,  witnesseth: 

“That  by  this  contract  each  of  the  said  contracting 
parties  retains  all  the  private  property  appertaining  to 
them  severally  in  right  of  rank,  dignity,  dower,  in- 
heritance and  purchase.  Especially  the  Lady  Kuni- 
gunde retains  the  ownership  in  full  of  the  sum  of 
fifty  thousand  marks  bestowed  upon  her  by  the  late 
King  Otakar,  for  her  maintenance,  and  to  be  em- 


144 


MARRIAGE  CF  ZAU/IS  AND  KUNIGUNDE 


ployed  solely  to  that  end,  in  case  of  the  death  of  the 
said  King  Otakar  before  other  provision  should  be 
made*  Said  sum  of  money  having  been  reserved  for 
said  use  out  of  the  revenues  of  Koenigin-gratz  and 
the  lands  adjoining,  to  the  extent  of  one  mile  in 
each  direction,  and  already  set  apart  for  said  pur- 
pose. The  said  Lord  Zawis  reserves  to  his  descend- 
ants, if  any,  the  full  ownership  and  property  of  the 
castle  of  Furstenberg  and  the  estates  attached 
thereto.  In  witness  whereof,  we  have  hereunto 
subscribed  our  names  and  affixed  our  seals. 

“Kunigunde,  Queen  and  widow. 
‘‘Nikolas  Jaroslav.  Zawis  of  Falkenstein. 

“Agaphia  Brzava.  Ludmila  of  Falkenstein 

“Drda  of  Wittau. 
“Oger  of  Lomnic. 
“Sezima  of  Straz. 
“Witek  of  Krumau.” 

The  marriage  ceremony  being  performed  without 
ostentation  by  the  pastor  in  ordinary  of  the  schloss, 
the  party  observed  the  generous  Bohemian  custom  of 
a wedding  festivity,  wherein  wine  and  beer  were  not 
wanting.  Hilarity, however, yielded  to  restraint;  and 
quiet  cheerfulness  pervaded  the  company.  “Permit 
me  now,^^  said  Sezima  of  Straz,  at  the  close  of  the 
festival,  “to  propose  the  good  health  and  happiness  of 
our  honored  bride  and  bridegroom.  May  their  hearts 
be  as  warm  to  each  other  as  the  sun  is  to  the  vine 
around  the  hillsides  of  Bohemia;  may  their  love  be 
as  true  as  the  vintage  of  Prague;  and  may  their 
esteem  in  the  hearts  of  their  countrymen  be  as  last- 


MARRIACE  OF  ZAlVlS  AND  KUNlGUNDE 


145 


ing  as  that  of  Bohemians  for  the  beverage  of  their 
own  sunny  hills. 

“May  their  concord  be  greater,”  added  Ogev  of 
Lomnic,  “than  the  said  beverage  has  ever  been  able 
to  confer  on  those  who  love  it  most.” 

“May  their  love  be  as  that  of  the  true  vine,”  said 
Prokop;  “and  may  the  clear  vintage  of  their  lives  be 
to  them  as  the  essence  of  that  pureness  which  the 
Sun  of  Righteousness  never  fails  to  instill  and  toper- 
feet.” 

“Lords  and  gentlemen,”  said  Zawis,  rising,  “your 
good  wishes  are  as  sweet  and  refreshing  as  the  mel- 
lowest juice  of  the  grapes  of  Melnik,  or  the  choic- 
est of  Fiirstenberg  itself.  The  unhappiness  of  the 
country,  and  the  menacing  aspect  of  affairs  now 
compel  gravity,  and  calm  counsel  among  the  wisest. 
In  evidence  of  our  appreciation  of  your  generous 
congratulations  permit  me  to  present  to  you,  ere  we 
separate,  some  views  that  seem  to  me  imperatively 
to  command  attention  at  this  moment  when  we 
hope  for  the  reconstruction  of  our  country  and 
its  institutions.  We  will,  if  you  please,  abandon 
strict  formality  and  discuss  these  themes  as  friends 
and  allies.  We  have  fallen,”  he  continued,  resum- 
ing his  seat,  “by  our  abandonment  of  practical 
knowledge,  and  useful  science  as  studied  and  applied 
by  our  fathers,  according  to  their  light.  We 
have  largely  become  sentimentalists  in  religion 
first,  and  lastly  in  politics  also.  Our  schools,  that 
formerly  inculcated  the  knowledge  required  in  daily 
life,  have  been  ecclesiasticised,  and  so  far  as  they 


146 


MAkkIAGE  Ok  ^AlVlS  AND  KUNIGUNDk 


are  permitted  to  remain  open,  are  devoted  solely  to 
the  training  of  priests.  Even  herein  the  instruction 
conferred  is  entirely  defective, 

“Our  doctrines  aie  directed  not  to  correct  and  purify 
morals  and  elevate  character,  but  to  sustain,  exact 
and  give  pre-eminence  to  an  alien  authority;  and 
the  hearts  of  our  youth  are  stolen  both  from  their 
country,  and  the  useful  sciences,  by  a sentimental 
devotion  to  the  assumed  divine  viceregency  of  an 
Italian  intruder.  We  need  neither  his  secular  learn- 
ing, and  of  that  he  has  not  much,  nor  his  ethical  in-' 
struction.  Bohemia  was  ever  as  near  to  her  Creator 
before  this  Italian  intervened  in  our  affairs,  as  at  any 
moment  since  his  agents  have  sown  dissension. 

“We  loved, we  prized, we  cultivated  good  literature, 
in  our  native  speech,  before  this  Italian  imposed  his 
degraded  and  antiquated  dregs  of  Latin  upon  our 
youth. 

“We  have  been  taught  that  if  we  instruct  the  young 
in  verbose  sentimentalism,  and  set  before  them  a cor- 
rect example,  we  shall  have  prepared  their  character 
by  instilling  very  doubtful  tastes  and  myths  of  assumed 
saints.  But  in  practical  life  we  shall  have  held 
up  to  them, as  the  manner  now  is, exhibitions  of  lordly 
pomps,  of  excessive  covetousness,  of  remorseless  ex- 
actions, of  disregard  of  marriage,  and  universal  pro- 
motion of  concubinage  among  prelates  and  priests; 
and  we  shall  have  taught  them  to  veil  all  this  vice 
under  a semblance  of  religious  sentimentalism,  and 
a most  sensuous  ritual. 

“Even  when  we  do  instill  what  is  good, and  we  are 


MARRIAGE  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  KUNIGUNDE 


147 


compelled  to  imbibe  this  from  fountains  opened  to 
us  by  others  outside  the  domains  of  the  church,  and 
when  we  instruct  young  persons  in  the  arts  necessary 
to  secure  sustenance,  we  think  we  have  completed 
their  education.  We  first  make  their  hearts  tender 
and  susceptible,  then  we  bestow  an  art  or  an  occu- 
pation; but  the  third  element  of  the  essential  trinity 
of  permanent  life,  the  art  of  preserving  what  they 
can  procure  or  acquire,  we  omit  altogether.  Sup- 
pose, for  instance,  we  train  a youth  in  all  morality, 
until  he  abhors  evil,  we  then  instruct  him  in  the  art 
and  skill  necessary  to  produce  a gem  like  this,” 
drawing  forth  the  identical  casket  containing  the 
identical  cross  secured  by  Pietro  and  Solomon,  “and 
we  allow  him  to  confront  the  world  knowing  not  how 
to  preserve  and  protect  himself  from  the  abounding 
fraud,  violence,  treachery,  and  seductions  of  society, 
we  render  him  only  a helpless  victim.  His  virtue 
incites  him  to  good;  his  skill  enriches  him  with 
wealth;  and  his  simplicity  renders  him  only  a prey 
to  the  seducer  and  the  thief.  We  do  not  teach  bus- 
iness in  our  schools;  we  banish  business  from  our 
politics,  we  eschew  business  from  our  morals;  and 
we  think  to  build  up,  to  defend,  and  exalt  Bohemia 
by  sentimentalism.  This  is  the  new  deception  that 
has  broken  our  strength,  and  prostrated  us  before 
Cumanian  barbarism.  Under  the  seductive  and  in- 
sinuating false  charm  of  the  new  theology,  all  prac- 
tical science  has  been  banished;  all  study  of  medicine 
has  been  proscribed  under  the  direst  penalties;  all 
secular  knowledge  denounced  as  the  agency  of  the 


148 


M/IRRIAGE  OF  ZAIVIS  AMD  KUMIGUNDB 


devil;  all  pursuits  of  nature’s  treasures  in  metals, 
light,  water,  air,  and  the  vegetable  and  animal  worlds 
is  now  anathematized  as  magic;  and  before  our  e)^es 
the  learning,  skill,  and  wonderful  attainments  of 
the  Moors  of  Spain  have  been  trodden  down  in 
blood,  until  Spain  can  neither  feed  herself,  clothe 
herself,  build  her  houses,  nor  cultivate  her  fields. 
Such  is  the  dire  result  of  the  truculent  sentimental- 
ism that  I denounce.  Such  a spirit  is  not  Bohemian; 
it  never  was  Bohemian;  and  Bohemians  will  repu- 
diate such  sentimentalism  to  their  latest  breath. 

“Permit  me  now,”  resumed  Lord  Zawis,  “to  present 
to  my  wife  a most  fitting  emblem  of  the  practical, 
artistic  genius  that  especially  distinguishes  Bo- 
hemia. It  is,  my  dear  love,  the  same  casket  in- 
tended by  the  lamented  King  Otakar  as  the  expres- 
sion of  his  parting  affection  for  his  queen.  I am 
happy  indeed  to  be  able  to  present  it  now,  as  being 
a true  symbol  of  the  scientific,  industrial,  and  simply 
religious  tendencies  of  our  countrymen;  and  let  it  be 
also  a token  from  me  that  I cherish  the  memory  of  my 
lamented  prince,  and  honor  him  by  my  love  for  you. 
It  is  also  a symbol  of  the  reunion  of  loving  hearts 
for  long  dissevered.”  Zawis  recounted  the  story 
of  the  casket;  its  recovery,  preservation,  services  on 
different  occasions,  and  its  happy  restoration  on  the 
auspicious  day  of  their  marriage. 

Kunigunde  received  the  gift  with  much  emotion, 
and  profound  gratitude.  “It  shall  be,”  she  said,  “for- 
ever a most  cherished  evidence  of  the  generous  de- 
votion of  my  husband,  and  a reminder  of  the  honor 
and  reverence  that  he  merits.” 


MARRIAGE  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  KUNIGUNDE 


149 


Then  Lord  Zawis  said,  “I  have  received  advices 
from  Hungary  that  afford  reassurance  to  myself,  but 
which  forebode  distress  to  our  brethren  in  that  region. 
King  Ladislaus  is  good  enough  to  say  in  a communi- 
caton  to  myself:  ‘I  cannot  forget  the  generous  de- 
votion of  your  family  to  my  grandfather,  King  Bela, 
during  his  severe  experience  when  compelled  to  flee 
to  Lissa  from  the  Tartars.  The  high  behests  of  state 
policy,  and  the  altered  relations  of  Hungary  to  the 
empire  compel  us  adopt  a procedure  conformable  to 
that  inaugurated  in  Bohemia  by  the  emperor  and 
his  dynasty.  The  unity  of  my  government  requires, 
likewise,  the  repression  of  growing  divisions  in  the 
church;  and  efforts  must  be  directed  to  abate  this 
evil.  During  our  proceedings,  however,  although  the 
severity  of  existing  laws  is  again  put  in  force,  you 
may  rest  assured  that  your  own  territories,  castles, 
and  retainers  shall  be  respected.’  ’’ 

“This  is  a distressing  reassurance,”  observed  Lord 
Drda.  “The  King  intimates  severities  towards  dis- 
sidents in  his  own  estates;  and  also  threatens  to  re- 
vive the  old  hostility  of  Hungary  against  Moravia, 
and  his  resolve  to  secure  again  Hungarian  dominion 
over  Southern  Moravia  and  the  Adriatic  coast,  from 
which  our  late  prince  expelled  his  predecessor.” 

“We  may  rest  without  apprehension,  on  that 
point,”  answered  Zawis.  “The  bargain  made  by  Ru- 
dolph with  Rome  excludesHungary  absolutely  from 
the  Adriatic  provinces.  That  condition  is  well  known 
in  Venice  and  was  in  fact  intimated  by  the  answer 
of  the  emperor  to  the  Venetian  deputation  of  three 


150 


MARRIAGE  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  KUNIGUNDE 


years  ago.  Zara  can  never  become  Hungarian  again. 
For  the  present  we  are  secure  at  home;  and  my  He- 
brew ambassador  has  discharged  his  negotiations  right 
nobly 

At  this  point  the  company  agreed  to  meet  again 
at  Furstenberg  a month  hence,  in  order  to  organize 
their  party  in  Bohemia,  an  arrangement  now  ad- 
mitted to  be  in  fact  begun  by  the  queen’s  marriage 
with  Lord  Zawis. 


CHAPTER  XL 


MARTYRDOM. 

During  Solomon’s  sojourn  in  Hungary  he  was  en- 
abled to  employ,  for  the  benefit  of  his  brethren  in 
that  region  and  in  Poland,  much  favorable  influence 
through  the  mediation  of  both  Lord  Zawis  and  the 
Emperor.  The  latter  felt  little  regard  for  Jews;  but 
the  internal  quiet  of  Hungary  suited  his  momentary 
policy.  He  knew  that  Jews  and  sectaries  occupied 
the  one  the  finance,  and  the  other  the  chief  commerce 
of  the  neighboring  kingdoms;  and  he  did  not  desire 
that  a sympathetic  insurrection  should  disturb  his 
own  estates.  Austria,  and  especially  Vienna, included 
a large  population  long  alienated  in  religion  from 
Rome,  and  decidedly  favorable  to  the  Premsyl  dy- 
nasty. He  did  not  possess  a florin  in  his  treasury; 
and  even  his  present  small  force  clamored  for  pay. 
Rome  exacted  every  groschen  for  herself,  and  com- 
pelled obedience  by  enforcing  poverty.  Rudolph 
had  irretrievably  bound  himself  to  the  church;  and 
the  repression  of  so-called  heretics  at  once  concili- 
ated ecclesiastics,  and  removed  a possible  source  of 
antagonism  to  himself.  For  these  reasons,  Ru- 
dolph encouraged  Ladislaus  in  renewing  in  Hungary, 
during  the  spring  of  1280,  the  almost  obsolete  laws 

151 


152 


MARTYRDOM 


against  heresy.  The  church  thus  proposed  to  annihi- 
late, as  in  Spain,  the  most  industrious,  frugal,  and  intel- 
ligent elements  of  her  population,  that  had  restored 
prosperity  after  the  terrible  Tartar  ravages  of  1241. 
“If  Ladislaus,’’ he  often  remarked,  “chooses  to  root 
out,  like  the  Alfonsos,  the  best  portion  of  his  own 
people,  I shall  have  less  fears  of  any  occasion  for  an- 
other Kressenbriinn.  The  less  power  he  possesses 
at  home  the  more  secure  is  the  Adriatic  from  his  am- 
bition.’^ In  this  policy  Venice  steadily  encouraged 
the  emperor;  and  the  Senate  countenanced  the  di- 
version of  the  stream  of  trade  from  Hungary  and  Bo- 
hemia to  the  Tyrol.  This  trade  speedily  languished 
indeed;  but  the  shrewd  liberation  of  Venetian  trade 
from  the  guild  that  had  held  it,  enabled  the  queen 
of  the  Adriatic  to  augment  her  commerce  with 
Barcelona, Sicily,  Italy,  England,  and  even  the  Baltic, 
almost  to  the  total  deprivation  of  Rudolph  of  any 
share.  At  this  date  the  foundation  of  French, 
English,  and  Dutch  commerce  was  imperishably  laid. 
A momentary  supposed  advantage  to  his  dynasty 
from  the  support  of  the  ecclesiastics  totally  blinded 
Ladislaus  to  every  such  consideration.  In  conform- 
ity to  his  policy,  Brother  Primus  easily  obtained  au- 
thority to  enforce  the  revived  laws  against  heresy; 
and  Gran  became  his  objective  point.  Accordingly 
at  Ofen  he  kept  close  watch  on  Solomon’s  move- 
ments; and  when  the  latter  had  discharged  his  com- 
mission for  Lord  Zawis  he  started  for  Gran  in  order 
to  advise  Pietro,  Lord  Boppo,  and  his  friends  of  the 
renewal  of  legalized  severities.  To  afford  them  such 


MARTYRDOM 


153 


aid  as  might  lie  in  his  power,  he  solicited  a commis' 
sion  from  Ladislaus,  which  in  brief  and  vague  terms 
was  reluctantly  presented.  This  open  letter,  how- 
ever, according  to  a well  known  device,  fatally  prac- 
ticed on  several  occasions,  did  not  receive  enroll- 
ment, and  thus  fell  short  of  full  legal  effect.  Brother 
Primus  and  several  companions  joined  Solomon  on 
his  departure.  The  latter,  perceiving  the  attention, 
saluted  his  companion  in  Hebrew.  Receiving  no  an- 
swer, he  tried  Spanish.  Brother  Primus  looked  con- 
fused. Then  Solomon  tried  Arabic  with  equal  want 
of  success.  Lastly  Solomon,  with  a look  of  scorn, 
pointed  to  the  most  ignorant  of  the  crowd, indicating 
to  Brother  Primus  that  he  might  possibly  be  able  to 
converse  with  him.  The  Jew  then  strode  forward 
until  the  company  encountered  a small  military 
guard.  Here  the  party  halted.  The  officer  saluted 
respectfully  and  Solomon  recognized  the  commander 
of  the  escort  that  had  conveyed  Otakar’s  body  to 
Vienna.  Further  explanation  was  not  required; 
and  the  chief  hope  and  plan  for  the  arrest  of  Solo- 
mon was  disappointed.  The  party  advanced,  and 
by  degrees  one  and  another  of  the  travelers  ap- 
proached in  a friendly  manner,  and  Brother  Primus 
saw  his  chosen  guard  on  most  friendly  acquaintance 
with  his  intended  victim.  On  approaching  Gran, 
the  party  observed  signs  of  commotion.  Along  the 
road  from  Moravia  advanced  an  irregular  multitude. 
The  crowd  increased  as  it  proceeded.  In  front 
marched  a numerous  band  of  men  stripped  to  the 
waist,  each  carrying  a scourge  with  which  from  time 


154 


MARTYRDOM 


to  time  he  smote  his  fellows  nearest,  and  was  him- 
self also  scourged.  With  dolorous  cries, lamentations, 
contortions,  and  wailings  the  flagellants  approached 
Gran.  By  a side  path  Brother  Primus  withdrew  un- 
noticed. The  strange  company  settled  on  the  edge  of 
the  town  at  the  same  caravanserai  whither  Solomon 
and  his  friends  had  been  conducted  on  their  first 
arrival.  During  all  that  night  excited  multitudes 
poured  towards  Gran  from  every  quarter.  At  stated 
intervals  the  flagellants  screamed  and  smote  each 
other.  Orators  with  streaming  hair  stood  on  plat- 
forms of  any  kind  and  wildly  denounced  the  wrath 
of  God  against  his  enemies.  Some  worked  them- 
selves into  convulsions,  and  were  pointed  to  as 
possessed  with  demons. 

‘‘The  wrath  of  God;  the  wrath  of  God,’^  men 
screamed,  “is  about  to  fall.” 

The  contagion  spread.  The  wild  multitude  be- 
came frenzied.  At  this  favorable  moment  Brother 
Secundus  ascended  a platform,  and  holding  up  a large 
crucifix,  denounced  the  sin  of  heresy  as  the  object 
of  the  deserved  vengeance  of  the  Almighty.  “The 
heretics, the  heretics!”  shouted  the  multitude. “Death 
to  the  heretics!” 

During  this  scene  another  party,  flagellants  and 
peasants,  started  through  the  town,  and  thus  the 
excitement  spread.  Solomon  retired  and  observed. 
The  townsmen  assembled  and  stood  on  their  defense. 
The  great  body  of  the  flagellants  at  length  marched 
through  the  town,  and  joined  the  former  body  in  the 
further  suburb.  Shouts  and  scream^long  resounded. 


MARTYRDOM 


155 


Advancing  cautiously,  Solomon  observed  two  rough 
heaps  of  wood,  fagots  and  broken  furniture.  In  the 
midst  of  each  a stake,  and  fastened  to  the  stakes  two 
persons  he  could  not  distinguish.  A frantic  multitude 
gesticulated.  The  fires  blazed  up.  In  front  of  the 
crowd  stood  Brother  Primus  and  Brother  Secundus. 
Advancing  nearer,  Solomon  perceived, — oh,  horror! 
the  forms  of  Pietro  and  Eudocia.  With  a roar 
the  flames  ascended.  “Oh,  water,’’  cried  Eudocia, 
“water,  water!” 

Quickly  advancing,  a poor  limping  creature  rushed 
between  the  very  flames,  held  the  cup  to  Eudocia’s 
lips,  and  at  that  moment  fell  suffocated  in  the  fire 
that  speedily  consumed  both.  Pietro  sang  at  first 
aloud,  and  then  more  feebly: 

“Glory  to  the  Lord  on  high, 

His  mercy  is  assured; 

In  life  and  death  his  love  is  nigh, 

The  cross  hath  Christ  endured. 

“Father  forgive  us;  let  our  sin 
Measure  thy  mercy — free. 

Receive  us*  with — thy — saints — within; — 

Thy  death — our — tory!” 

The  last  words,  choked  in  utterance,  told  that  Pie- 
tro Felice  in  religion.  Lord  of  Besalu,  of  the  line  of 
Berengario,  last  duke  of  Provence,  of  the  stock  of 
the  Counts  of  Barcelona, had  passed  from  earth  by  the 
sudden  fury  of  a frenzied  multitude,  under  the  direct 
guidance  and  preparation  of  Brothers  Primus  and 
Secundus,  who  saw  their  unexpected  opportunity  to 
enforce  the  sanguinary  law  now  renewed.  The  dread- 
ful suddenness  of  the  event  prevented  any  measures 


156 


MARTYRDOM 


from  being  taken.  In  great  anger  the  now  aroused 
townsmen  assailed  the  flagellant  fanatics;  and  under 
the  guidance  and  leadership  of  an  old  man  with 
streaming  white  hair,  drove  the  disordered  rabble  with 
fierce  blows  and  wounds  and  desperate  menaces  far 
from  the  town.  Brother  Primus  and  Secundus  retired 
a short  distance,  and  quietly  requested  from  the  magis- 
trates additional  guards  to  quell  the  commotion  that 
had  arisen,  and  now  resisted  the  royal  commands. 
They  also  demanded  special  protection  for  them- 
selves, particularly  from  the  violence  of  Boppo,  Solo- 
mon, and  others  whom  they  designated,  and  also 
instant  refreshments,  provision,  and  secure  lodging. 
A public  meeting  immediately  held  selected  a dep- 
utation to  proceed  to  Ofen  to  lay  the  dreadful  occur- 
rence before  King  Ladislaus. 

Robberies  and  disorder  among  the  hungry  mul- 
titude created  angry  disturbance;  and  when  the  still 
tumultuous  throng  departed  much  of  the  bazaar 
and  many  houses  had  been  pillaged.  Fires  also 
broke  out  that  required  much  labor,  and  created 
further  losses  and  distress.  In  twelve  short  hours 
the  thriving  town  of  Gran,  that  had  just  reached 
the  verge  of  steady  and  permanent  prosperity, 
but  had  accumulated  little,  became  as  if  visited 
again  by  the  Tartars.  With  admirable  foresight, 
the  magistrates  divided  the  people  into  sections, 
each  with  a prescribed  duty.  Some  provided  lodg- 
ing for  the  homeless.  Others  removed  the  rubbish 
and  prepared  for  rebuilding;  and  a chosen  body 
tenderly  gathered  up  the  ashes  where  Pietro,  Eu- 


MARTYRDOM 


157 


docia,  and  UIda  had  yielded  their  lives.  Here  the 
first  place  fell,  by  universal  respect,  to  Lord  Boppo, 
the  father  of  the  martyred  lady.  In  one  casket  the 
ashes  were  reverently  deposited;  and  then  again  un- 
der the  open  sun  the  little  congregation  sang  their 
burial  hymn,  and  spoke  to  each  other  of  the  honors 
attached  to  their  fidelity. 

“Forgive  me,  brethren,’’  said  the  afflicted  veteran, 
“if  I feel  unable  to  express  my  deep  emotion  at  the 
example  of  serenity  and  faith  exhibited  by  my  sainted 
daughter. 

“An  equal  nobility  must  be  attributed  to  her  faithful 
husband.  Assuredly  such  constancy  is  imperish- 
able; and  the  divine  love  that  imparts-it  will  yet 
sanctify  the  world.” 

Then  taking  Solomon’s  hand,  the  old  man,  shad- 
ing his  own  tearful  eyes,  presented  him  in  silence  to 
the  congregation.  A hush  of  surprise  spread  through 
the  company.  “Brethren  in  the  same  Lord,”  said 
Solomon,  with  that  confidence  in  himself  and  that 
aspect  of  practiced  address,  tempered  by  the  solem- 
nity of  the  occasion,  that  propriety  dictated,  “our 
common  humanity  revolts  against  such  cruel  violence. 
Not  the  spirit  of  love  inculcates  these  evil  deeds. 
Yet  in  presence  of  the  dignified  fortitude,  the  majestic 
constancy  we  have  witnessed, our  human  character  is 
invested  with  a new  nobility.  Elevated  indeed  above 
the  common  instincts  and  cravings  of  human  life  must 
those  hearts  be  that  can  with  like  serene  prepared- 
ness depart  from  all  that  men  commonly  deem  most 
excellent.  A bond  of  divine  energy  unites  such 


158  martyrdom 

hearts  with  that  origin  of  power  and  love  which 
thus  sacredly  conjoins  heaven  and  earth.  Not  in 
ascetic  annihilation  of  the  graces  God  had  given, 
not  in  absorbed  abstraction  that  abandons  all  human 
sympathies,  not  in  immured  exile  from  the  love  and 
sympathy  that  ^exalts  humanity  by  partaking  of  its 
daily  sorrows,  and  imparting  its  sanctified  discipline 
in  the  love  and  care  of  conjugal  life,  the  patience  of 
parental  endurance,  and  the  calm  forbearance  among 
provocations  in  our  chequered  life,  did  our  revered 
friends  exhibit  their  love  for  their  human  kindred, 
their  devotion  to  divine  progress  in  grace,  and  near- 
ness to  the  essence  of  the  pure  source  of  all  good. 
Such  gifts  as  they  possessed  they  devoted  to  the  ser- 
vice of  their  fellows. 

‘‘Dutiful  and  loving  children, affectionate  and  in  all 
honor  as  husband  and  wife;  and  earnest  in  daily 
avocations  of  useful  industry  in  sympathy  with  men 
and  women,  their  fidelity  is  a demonstration  of  the 
presence  of  a divine  spirit;  and  their  death  leaves  an 
inheritance  of  love  for  suffering  humanity  that  never 
can  depart  from  the  earth.  Of  the  generous  and  de- 
voted sister  who  sacrificed  herself  in  the  very  flames 
to  perform  a work  of  love,  my  knowledge  is  that 
even  the  affliction  of  leprosy  could  not  extinguish 
from  her  soul  that  abnegation  of  self  in  discharge  of 
the  duty  she  felt  prompted  to  perform  that  marks  the 
highest  advance  in  divine  things.  An  outcast  among 
men,  a wanderer  and  an  object  of  loathing,  she  per- 
formed an  act  of  sublime  charity  that  ought  to  put 
to  eternal  shame  the  real  instigators  of  these  barbari- 


Martyrdom 


15^ 


ties.  The  world  shall  learn  to  distinguish  between  the 
pompous  ambition,  noisy  assertion  of  piety  and 
charity,  and  consuming  pretensions  of  the  one  party, 
and  the  humble,  unostentatious,  and  heroic  devoted- 
ness of  the  other. 

“The  fiery  trial  that  consumed  her  has  exalted  un- 
assuming truth  and  charity  forever.” 

Six  vigorous  men,  of  whom  Solomon  was  one, 
then  raised  the  common  simple  bier,  and  bore  it, 
while  all  uncovered  sang  a dirge,  slowly  to  its  rest- 
ing place. 

Ladislaus  returned  a reply  in  the  words  that  his- 
tory has  attributed  to  him. 

“In  our  duchy,”  he  said,  “and  the  diocese  of  Bos- 
nia, and  some  of  the  adjacent  countries,  divers  sects 
of  heretical  pravity  are  known  now  for  a long  time  to 
have  detestably  multiplied  and  damnably  increased, 
to  the  dishonor  of  the  Creator,  and  the  disgrace  of 
the  Christian  faith.”  Ladislaus  added,  as  if  apolo- 
getically, “Our  diplomatic  records  remind  us  that  in 
1226  the  pope  Honorius  III.  praised  Coloman,  Duke 
of  Slavonia,  for  his  willingness  to  exterminate  the 
heretics  of  Bosnia;  and  censured  John,  lord  of  the 
further  Sirmium  for  not  entering  on  the  crusade 
against  them.  In  1233  the  bishop  ot  Bosnia  was  de- 
posed for  heresy;  and  Nikol  the  Slavonian,  Duke  of 
Bosnia,  whose  predecessors  had  been  addicted  to 
heresy,  abjured  it.  In  1234  Gregory  IX.  dispatched 
a legate  to  preach  a crusade  against  heretics.  At 
that  time  throughout  all  Bosnia  and  the  neighboring 
provinces  so  greatly  had  the  multitude  of  the  false 


160 


Martyrdom 


believers  increased,  that  the  whole  land  moaned  and 
groaned  like  a trackless  desert.  In  1236  Prince 
Zbislas  and  many  other  chiefs  of  the  diocese  of  Bosnia 
were  distinguished  for  heretical  pravity.  In  i 238  a 
new  crusade  was  preached  against  the  Bosnian  here- 
tics in  Hungary.  In  1243  Innocent  IV. commissioned 
a legate  to  Croatia  and  Dalmatia  to  extirpate  the  stain 
of  heretical  pravity  wherewith  the  entire  region  was 
infected.  In  1247  Innocent  IV.  declared  that  as  well 
the  church  as  the  entire  diocesan  district  of  Bosnia  had 
totally  lapsed  into  the  iniquity  of  heresy;  although 
the  Archbishop  of  Cologne,  not  without  great  effu- 
sion of  blood,  much  slaughter  of  men,  and  great  ex- 
penditure of  the  church  property  of  Cologne,  which 
had  obtained  the  temporal  dominion  of  that  region, 
had  violently  subdued  a portion  of  that  country; 
while  nevertheless  the  church  could  not  be  sustained 
in  the  purity  of  the  faith  because  castles  and  for- 
tresses had  not  been  sufficiently  strengthened  to  re- 
sist assault  and  siege.  We  are  compelled  to  preserve 
the  friendship  of  the  empire  and  the  church  under 
the  conditions  recently  established.’’  The  unsettled 
condition  of  Prussia  restrained  the  sanguinary  pur- 
poses of  Ladislaus  for  the  present. 


CHAPTER.  XII. 


FURSTENBERG  AND  ITS  POLICY. 

“Now,  dear  heart, said  Zawis  as  soon  as  the  shel- 
ter of  his  own  towers,  and  the  fidelity  of  his  retainers 
afforded  security,  “we  may  perhaps,  hopefully,  re- 
view the  conditions  for  honor,  fidelity,  and  happiness 
in  each  other’s  affection  that  surround  us.  For 
yourself,  dear  heart,  you  may  confidently  rely  on 
my  own  unfailing  love,  devotion,  and  respect. 

“Urge  it  not,  good  Zawis, earnestly  interposed 
Kunigunde.  “Had  I not  discerned  a manly  heart 
under  the  hauberk  of  a good  knight,  and  learned  the 
generous  zeal  of  a proud  and  loyal  baron,  as  respectful 
to  his  own  honor  as  faithful  in  his  chivalrous  service 
to  his  country  and  his  prince,  I trust  I know  my 
duty  too  well  ever  to  have  given  you  my  heart,  as  I 
have  done,  and  here  I do  again,  in  all  wifely  duty 
and  cheerfulness.  Believe  me,  Zawis,  no  shade  of 
distrust  dims  the  bright  surface  of  my  confidence,  no 
uneven  ruffle  breaks  the  placidity  of  my  sincere  affec- 
tion. I am  yours,  Zawis,  in  a love  as  free  from 
blemish  as  the  diamond,  and  as  stainless  of  doubt  or 
speck  of  insincerity  as  the  fairest  lily  in  your  gar- 
den.’» 

“I  doubt  it  not,  dearest  heart,’’  earnestly  replied 
Zawis,  “and  amid  the  uncertainties,  the  possible  con- 

161 


162 


FURSTENBERG  AND  ITS  POLICY 


fusion,  and  the  unconcealed  jealousies  that  encom- 
pass us  we  shall  need  all  the  courage,  all  the  undi- 
vided purpose  that  the  tenacity  of  mutual  love,  coun- 
sel, and  sympathy  can  bestow. 

“We  confront  a perilous  conjuncture.  On  one  side 
an  ambitious  emperor,  poor,  greedy  of  provinces, 
and  as  unscrupulous  in  his  disregard  of  rights  as  he 
is  remorseless  in  his  methods  of  enriching  his  neces- 
sitous family.  He  cannot  acquire  for  himself  a foot 
of  land,  but  he  can  confer  provinces  and  dukedoms. 

“Having  disposed  of  the  greater  part  of  the  external 
Bohemian  domain,  he  now  has  taken  measures  to 
absorb  the  remainder  by  the  double  marriage  of  his 
son  and  daughter  to  a son  and  daughter  of  Bohemia. 
On  the  other  side  we  confront,  unhappily,  a divided 
country.  Our  marriage  has  already  created  fierce 
jealousies;  and  men  too  feeble  to  govern  a county, 
too  uncultured  to  compose  an  agricultural  report, 
through  their  very  ignorance  of  details,  are  ambitious 
of  governing  a kingdom,  solely  because  they  cannot 
even  dream  of  the  minute  general  knowledge  that  is 
required.  The  more  feeble  the  reason,  the  more  ir- 
regular its  processes;  and  the  more  ignorant  of  de- 
tails the  more  rapidly  and  presumptuously  it  leaps  into 
vast  generalities  that  cloud  its  opaque  understanding 
still  more  fatally.  Persons  who  cannot  compute  the 
simplest  problems  of  calculation,  or  of  ratios,  or  of 
proportions,  discuss  vast  millions  with  the  flippancy 
of  vanity  and  fatuity.  Men  who  can  scarcely  com- 
mand intelligence  enough  to  earn  a subsistence  with 
the  best  opportunities,  discourse  volubly  of  legislat- 
ing for  the  masses.” 


FURSTENBERG  ARID  ITS  POLICY  lOB 

“The  king  will, on  his  restoration,’^  said  Kunigunde, 
“assuredly  rally  round  him  the  respect  and  power  of 
the  nation.” 

“The  respect  is  of  small  importance  without 
strength.  A man,  like  a nation,  is  respected  in  pro- 
portion  as  he  is  feared,”  answered  Zawis.  “Such  a 
source  of  command  as  platonic  authority,  resting  on 
mere  sentiment, never  did  enforce  order  or  obedience; 
certainly  not  in  Bohemia.  Authority  can  only  be 
enforced  even  b}^  the  strongest,  by  a spirit  of  equity 
and  the  equalization  of  the  burdens  of  life.  Men  will 
claim,  and  they  are  entitled  to,  equality  before  the 
law,  whereof  the  prince  is  only  the  representative 
in  this  kingdom.  No  class  of  men  in  this  land,  or 
of  our  stock,  will  ever  long  be  content,  like  some  in 
Asia,  to  be  the  bearers  of  burdens  for  any  other. 
That  is  the  true  Bohemian  mind.  Oppression  creates 
deception,  cunning,  fraud,  and  violence  against  the 
oppressor.  To  sustain  this  principle  during  the  con- 
fusion that  confronts  us  will  require  wisdom  indeed.” 

“Assuredly,  my  dear  lord,”  interposed  Kunigunde, 
“our  institutions  have  acquired  sufficient  stability  to 
survive  our  present  troubles.” 

“The  best  law  will  never  enforce  itself,”  answered 
Zawis,  “unless  the  opinion  of  the  nation  coincides 
with  it.  Unhappily  opinion  is  too  often  swayed  by 
self-interest;  and  a political  party  is  being  sedulously 
formed  now  by  the  emperor’s  adherents  whose  pur- 
pose is  to  substitute  imperial  power  and  Roman  as- 
cendency for  the  ancient  law  that  has  created  Bo- 
hemian nationality.  In  politics  we  are  to  be  an  integral 


164 


FURSTENBERG  AND  ITS  POLICY 


province  of  the  empire  instead  of  an  accretion  or  ad- 
junct to  it;  and  in  religion  we  are  to  be  subordinated 
completely  to  the  deadening  influence  of  Roman  sub- 
tlety that  is  to  leave  us  no  thought  which  it  does  not 
suggest,  and  no  mind  but  such  as  merges  in  blind 
veneration  for  Roman  dogmatism.  The  leavening 
process  in  both  respects  will  now  be  intensified  with 
more  material  and  more  fervor  than  ever.  We  are 
scarcely  in  a condition  to  resist,  much  less  to  counter- 
act either.  Wisdom  indeed  must  that  statesman 
possess  who  can  preserve  his  country  from  such  a 
combination  of  perils.” 

“Surely  I can  perform  my  part  in  this  great  duty  ” 
earnestly  pleaded  Kunigunde.  “Indeed,  dear  Zawis, 
you  can  command  my  utmost  devotion.” 

“So  far  as  I can  at  present  perceive  the  propriety 
of  your  action, dear  Kunigunde,”  thoughtfully  rejoined 
Zawis,  “it  will  consist  in  prudent  silence  and  watchful- 
ness. First,  our  house  will  be  the  resort  of  spies 
sent  hither  by  the  emperor  and  his  agents  and  mas- 
ters, both  lay  and  clerical.  I perceive  plots  and 
counterplots.  They  will  watch  who  comes  and  goes 
in  order  to  find  who  are  our  friends  and  partizans, 
Next,  our  own  countrymen  will  plan  and  combine. 
Your  wisdom  towards  them  will  consist  of  friendli- 
ness and  in  showing  them  consideration  Bohemian 
gratitude  is  composed  largely  of  earnestness  for  favors 
yet  in  expectancy.  The  few  official  positions  to  be 
bestowed,  after  the  young  king’s  restoration,  poorly 
paid  and  uncertain,  will  speedily  develop  a host  of 
applicants. 


FURSTENBERG  AND  ITS  POLICY 


165 


“The  emperor  will  promise  but  never  bestow  favors 
in  order  to  counteract  the  possibility  of  union  among 
us;  and  the  church  will  extend  its  lands,  abbacies, 
and  orders,  until  Bohemia  shall  be  doubly  garrisoned 
with  armies  devoted  to  the  power  of  aliens,  sus- 
tained out  of  the  coveted  treasures  of  its  own  hills. 
Our  silver  mines,  that  for  centuries  have  largely  sup- 
plied Europe,  are  now  in  the  hands  of  our  enemies. 
Our  chief  hope  must  rest  in  the  toughness  of  the  Bo- 
hemian character,  and  its  constancy  in  adhering  to 
the  native  customs.  To  sustain  Bohemian  inde- 
pendence in  the  midst  of  these  conflicting  hostilities 
will  require  wisdom  indeed.” 

“My  dear  Zawis,”  sadly  interposed  Kunigunde, 
laying  her  hand  gently  on  his,  “the  fate  of  my  boy 
causes  me  disquietude.  I know  that  his  uncle  of 
Brandenburg  is  in  a measure  responsible  for  his  well- 
being; but  I have  received  no  intelligence  since 
Wenzel’s  removal  into  Brandenburg.  I fear  all  is 
not  well.” 

“All  is  not  well,”  replied  Zawis;  “the  boy,  I am 
indirectly  informed,  is  grossly  neglected.  He  is  re- 
quired to  recite  twenty  masses  a day,  and  that 
exercise  includes  his  whole  education.  But  I will 
endeavor  to  obtain  accurate  information.  The 
emperor  does  not  propose  that  Wenzel  shall  acquire 
much  of  the  spirit  of  his  fathers;  and  when  he  does 
return  I apprehend  he  will  exhibit  only  the  distorted 
and  disingenuous  devices  instilled  into  him  by  his 
young  and  artful  wife,  and  her  advisers. 

^‘We  can  expect  no  more  of  the  unmingled  and 


16G 


FURSTtNBERG  AND  ITS  POLICY 


manly  patriotism  of  the  Premysls;  however  mistaken 
many  of  their  methods  and  policies  may  have  been. 
They  will  pervert  Wenzel’s  mind,  but  they  will  not 
instruct  him.’’ 

“Surely,”  urged  Kunigunde,  “Wenzel’s  royal  de- 
scent will  exhibit  the  qualities  of  his  ancestors.  Na- 
tive proclivities,  and  race  characteristics  cannot  be 
eradicated.” 

“Royal  birth  and  origin  will  do  much,”  replied 
Zawis,  “but  a mind  left  wholly  uninstructed  in  facts 
must  easily  yield  to  superstitious  fictions  that  only 
bear  a semblance  of  reason.  In  such  case  natural 
tendencies  can  only  give  force  to  perverted  sensibili- 
ties. Sound  knowledge  is  denounced  even  now  as 
the  magic  taught  by  the  evil  one  Such  association 
with  the  malignant  spirit  is  hurled  at  me  as  a re- 
proach, and  an  appeal  to  the  passions  of  the  ignor- 
ant, by  the  new  ecclesiasticism  that  is  the  chief  agent 
employed  to  enslave  us.  We  have,  however,  a bas- 
tioned  fortress  in  my  Witkowici  adherents.  Rudolph 
early  discovered  the  local  power  of  that  family 
alliance,  and  partly  succeeded  in  detaching  it  from 
Otakar.  His  intrigues  in  that  quarter,  and  his  treach- 
erous wiles  to  undermine  Otakar’s  legitimate  author- 
ity provoked  the  king’s  manly  indignation.  My  strong 
policy  must  be  to  combine  all  this  native  strength 
in  favor  of  Bohemian  unity.  If  I succeed,  we  may  be 
wounded,  but  Bohemia  will  survive.  ‘Melius  mori 
quam  videre  patriam  mori.”  After  a pause  Zawis 
added,  “It  is  now  time  for  Witekto  report.  Hourly 
precaution  must  not  be  neglected/’  A messenger 


FURSTENBERG  AND  ITS  POLICY 


167 


summoned  Lord  Witek  the  castellan.  That  guar- 
dian promptly  appeared,  exhibiting  an  unusually 
stern  aspect.  Without  waiting  to  be  questioned 
Witek  said,  ‘‘The  guard  reports  sinister  rumors 
of  severe  events  in  Hungary.  One  of  our  women 
attendants  returned  last  night  bringing  tidings,  as 
she  claims,  of  a violent  outbreak  at  Gran;  and  the 
death  by  fire  of  our  friends  Pietro  and  Eudocia, 
under  direct  orders  from  King  Ladislaus.” 

Zawis  received  the  intelligence  calmly  as  an  officer 
who  hears  from  an  attack  on  an  outpost  in  what  di- 
rection his  enemy  has  commenced  to  operate. 

“We  must  commission  Lord  Drda  to  Rudolph  to 
ascertain  if  possible  the  imperial  policy  in  such 
events;  and  also  to  Ladislaus  that  we  may  ascertain 
how  far  he  has  succeeded  in  enlisting  the  aid  of  the 
Teutonic  order.  I know  he  has  applied  to  Hartman 
von  Heldrungen,  the  grand  master;  but  I do  not  be- 
lieve that  the  knights  are  either  able  or  willing  to 
abandon  the  Prussian  enterprise  at  present.” 

“If  there  be  any  thought  of  such  an  alliance,”  said 
Witek,  “I  feel  confident  that  old  Lord  Boppo  von 
Osterna,  who  possesses  almost  as  much  influence 
as  his  illustrious  namesake,  would  speedily  dissi- 
pate it.” 

The  next  day  Lord  Drda  attended,  having  been 
hastily  summoned  from  his  Moravian  home.  His 
instructions  consisted  more  of  suggested  advice  than 
of  definite  duties;  and  as  his  absence  might  be  pro- 
tracted, his  leave-taking  gathered  around  him  the 
chief  persons  of  the  household.  Approaching  Lady 


168 


FURSTENBERG  AhID  ITS  POLICY 


Ludmila,  who  sat  silent  and  apart,  Lord  Drda  said, 
“How  long  I shall  be  absent,  dear  lady,  I know  not; 
but  I hope  I bear  with  me  some  assurance  that  I 
shall  be  remembered  by  none  more  than  by  yourself/’ 

“Most  assuredly, dear  Lord  Drda,”  replied  Ludmila, 
“I  shall  remember  you  very  warmly  indeed.  You 
have  my  best  wishes  for  your  success  and  safety.” 

“Perhaps,  ” Lord  Drda  replied,  “I  may  ask  some 
more  definite  expression  of  your  personal  regard. 
You  know  that  I entertain  the  tenderest  feelings  to- 
ward you.” 

“Thank  you,”  the  lady  replied, speaking  more  with 
her  eyes  than  her  words,  “I  would  see  more  placid 
prospects  than  are  perceptible  at  this  moment  before 
I could  seriously  permit  myself  to  indulge  in  hopes 
such  as  you  have  already  alluded  to.  Our  fortunes, 
and  all  that  we  hold  most  dear,  demand  our  unre- 
served homage ; but  I cherish  the  most  earnest  hopes 
for  the  success  of  your  mission.  Believe  me  you 
bear  with  you  my  best  esteem,  and  constant  good 
wishes  ” 

“Dear  Lady  Ludmila,  you  know  I trust  to  earn  a 
far  greater  share  of  your  heart,  and  warmer  expres- 
sion of  your  regard  than  you  are  pleased  to  give  me 
But  as  your  devoted  knight  and  true,  I ask  for  some 
slight  token  that  I am  not  wholly  without  hope  of 
possessing  your  full  heart,  for  which  you  know  I would 
venture  any  knightly  duty.” 

Ludmila  allowed  Drda  to  take  one  of  her  gloves 
and  set  it  securely  within  his  belt.  This  he  did 
openly, so  that  all  eyes  observed  the  action;  and  with 


FURSTENBERG  ARD  ITS  POLICY  169 

courtly  adieu  he  departed.  Ludmila  at  once  sought 
her  chamber;  and  then  a passionate  burst  of  tears 
expressed  the  strong  earnestness  of  her  love  that  a 
lofty  reserve  alone  had  forbidden  her  expressly  to 


avow. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

DRDA  IMPRISONED,  PROKOP’S  PROPHECY. 

Drda, being  left  to  his  own  discretion,  slowly  jour- 
neyed to  Prague,  He  had  not  seen  the  city  since 
the  summer  of  1278;  and  although  it  had  grown  de- 
pressed in  enterprise  since  1276,  yet  its  aspect  pre- 
sented a scene  of  gayety  then  compared  with  the 
somber  melancholy  of  the  present.  The  crowd  of 
merchants,  especially  from  Hungary  and  the  Adriatic, 
had  disappeared.  Not  a single  foreign  costume  pre- 
sented itself.  Inertness,  silence  everywhere.  Dur- 
ing two  years  not  a bell  had  been  tolled  in  the  sor- 
rowing city.  Eberhard,  bishop  of  Brandenburg, held 
control  as  the  representative  of  Otto.  The  state 
treasures  had  disappeared;  even  the  archives  had 
fallen  a prey  to  the  ravage  of  the  spoiler. 

Not  despair  but  sulleness,  not  discouragement  but 
reserve  marked  the  look  and  tone  of  the  people. 
Through  the  country  desolation  extended,  except 
where  a strong  castle,  a walled  town,  or  a hasty  ram- 
part of  earth  protected  a cultivated  area.  A remnant 
of  the  estates  sat  during  the  summer  to  concert  meas- 
ures for  the  expulsion  of  German  and  Cumanian  bands 
of  freebooters  and  robbers,  and  the  recovery  of  some 
of  the  royal  property  both  in  lands  and  personalty 
that  had  been  seized  by  daring  aggressors.  Armed  by 

170 


DRDA  IMPRISONED.  PROKOFS  PROPHECY 


171 


these  conditions,  Drda  proceeded  to  Rudolph's  camp 
in  Moravia.  The  emperor  felt  compelled  to  adopt 
some  energetic  measures  to  expel  the  plunderers,  who 
still  devastated  wherever  anything  remained  to 
seize.  Drda  experienced  some  difficulty  in  obtaining 
an  audience.  Not  until  after  the  arrival  of  an  ex- 
pected cavalcade  from  Hungary  did  Rudolph  choose 
to  receive  the  envoy.  On  entering,  Drda  found  the 
emperor  seated  in  company  with  Nicolas  of  Trop- 
pau,  son  of  Otakar,  and  Bishop  Bruno. 

The  three  personages  regarded  Drda  with  hostility 
mingled  with  disdain. 

“State  your  errand  briefly, ’^exclaimed  the  emperor. 

“I  come  to  solicit  imperial  protection  against  ene- 
mies both  within  and  without  the  dominions  of  Bohe- 
mia,’^ replied  Drda.  “The  country  necessarily  appeals 
to  imperial  power  now  that  other  strength  has  failed.” 

“I  am  credibly  informed  that  certain  robbers  have 
fortified  their  castles  to  a dangerous  degree  recently,” 
added  the  emperor,  “and  that  combinations  by  mar- 
riage and  otherwise  have  been  formed  in  opposition 
to  our  interests,  and  without  our  permission.” 

“As  the  imperial  troops  afforded  not  sufficient  pro- 
tection,” answered  Drda,  “some  have  taken  the  pre- 
caution of  rendering  their  defenses  equal  to  their 
danger.” 

“Our  representative  v/ould  surely  have  furnished 
sufficient  aid,”  added  the  emperor. 

“The  Bishop  Eberhard  is  inaccessible,”  replied  Drda. 
“His  methods  are  harsh;  and  during  his  government 
the  last  mark  from  our  treasury  has  disappeared. 


172  DRDA  IMPRISONED  ^ROKOP’S  PROPHECY 

Even  the  public  accounts  and  archives  have  been  ran- 
sacked. Public  creditoiTs  and  state  debtors  are  alike 
liable  to  wrong  through  the  destruction  of  our  records.” 

‘‘I  am  compelled  to  regard  you  as  an  emissary  in 
the  direct  interest  of  an  insubordinate  and  dangerous 
intriguer,”  sternly  said  Rudolph.  “I  have  commis- 
sioned Duke  Nicolas  to  ascertain  the  present  con- 
dition of  all  the  fortresses  in  Bohemia.  You  will  ex- 
plain to  him  in  full  the  resources,  strength,  garrison, 
and  munitions  of  every  strong  place,  especially 
Fiirstenberg,  Hluboka,  and  your  own;  although  the 
last  I believe  is  of  little  account.” 

“I  am  not  sufficiently  informed  as  to  the  strength 
of  Hluboka  and  Fiirstenberg,”  answered  Drda;  ‘‘and 
therefore  I must  refer  your  highness  to  the  best 
authority.  No  doubt  the  Duke  Nicolas  would  re- 
ceive a welcome  from  Lord  Zawis.” 

“I  shall  never  seek  hospitality  in  that  quarter,” 
suddenly  exclaimed  Nicolas.  “If  I go  at  all  it  will  be 
to  overthrow  the  presumptuous  usurper  who  hides 
there.” 

“Such  language  would  properly  be  addressed  to 
the  nobleman  in  person.  In  such  case  it  would  re- 
ceive such  reply  as  becomes  the  unmerited  and  sin- 
ister,”— this  word  with  special  emphasis, — “accu- 
sation it  contains,”  firmly  exclaimed  Drda,  looking 
Nicolas  in  the  face.  “Only  a mind  irregular  in  its 
sense  of  honor  as  well  as  in  its  antecedents  would 
thus  shelter  itself  by  the  absence  of  its  intended  ob- 
ject ” 

“This  in  my  presence!’’  exclaimed  Rudolph. 


DRDA  IMPRISONED.  PROKUrS  PROPHECY  173 

“Your  highness  failed  to  interpose  in  behall  of  a 
nobleman  who  knows  how  to  bear  himself  bravely 
both  in  battle  and  the  tournament/’  answered  Drda, 
“and  therefore  you  impliedly  cast  on  me  the  duty  of 
upholding  the  cause  of  m)^  friend.” 

“What  further  would  you?”  asked  Rudolph. 

“I  would  inquire  if  your  highness  proposes  to  de- 
mand reparation  for  the  murder  of  Bohemian  sub- 
jects recently  slain  in  Hungary.” 

“King  Ladislaus  is  master  in  his  own  dominions. 
His  alliance  is  important;  and  all  persons  must  be- 
ware how  they  expose  themselves  to  the  penalties 
enacted  against  offenses.” 

“Those  persons  suffered  the  death  due  to  their 
odious  character  and  pernicious  practices,”  observed 
Bruno. 

“You  will  fully  inform  Duke  Nicolas  of  the  can- 
dition  of  the  fortresses  I have  named,”  said  Rudolph. 

“And  I rnust  refer  your  highness  to  the  lord  of 
those  castles,”  quietly  answered  Drda. 

“Then  I remit  you  to  prison  until  my  further 
pleasure,”  decided  the  emperor;  and  Drda  found  the 
sentence  promptly  executed  by  his  removal  and  in- 
carceration at  Olmiitz.  Here  he  continued,  his  po- 
sition utterly  unknown,  cheered  only  by  the  hope  that 
the  force  of  events,  culminating  in  the  restoration  of 
young  Wenzel  to  the  throne,  might  decide  his  fate. 

Slowly  Bohemia  emerged  into  life.  Communi- 
cations between  Hungary  and  Moravia  grew  less 
frequent,  and  more  interrupted.  A son  born  to 
Zawis  and  Kunigunde  occasioned  congratulations  in 


174  DRPA  IMPRISONED.  PROKOFS  PROPHECY 

the  castle,  and  renewed  attention  to  the  inmates. 
Imperalists  and  Bohemians  awaited  the  slow  course 
of  time  that  should  renew  in  weakness  the  regular 
forms  of  Bohemian  monarchy  under  conditions 
humiliating  to  one  political  party,  a cause  of  subdued 
acceptance  to  another,  and  an  occasion  of  unbounded 
gratification  to  the  greatly  increased  numbers  of  re- 
ligious fraternities  that  now  occupied  the  fairest  and 
richest  portions  of  the  land.  During  this  dreary 
period  no  communication  whatever  is  known  to  have 
passed  between  young  King  Wenzel  in  his  exile,  lone- 
liness, and  neglect,  and  his  young  and  girlish  queen. 

The  imperial  household  accepted  in  full  the  relig- 
ious forms,  spirit,  tendencies,  policies  and  tone  of 
thought,  inculcated  without  hinderance  by  the  teach- 
ers commissioned  from  Rome.  Such  as  they  were, 
the  Roman  clergy  could  point  to  them  as  the  result 
of  their  system ; such  sentiments  as  they  held  they 
derived  from  Roman  sources  exclusively.  No  move- 
ment in  Bohemia  attracted  imperial  attention;  and 
no  pretense  could  be  invented  for  depriving  Wenzel 
of  his  inheritance.  The  electors  jealously  watched 
the  imperial  policy  in  that  respect.  The  emperor 
well  knew  that  any  attempted  suppression  of  an  elec- 
toral vote,  or  the  autocratic  transfer  of  it  to  a scion 
of  the  imperial  family  would  inevitably  provoke 
dangerous  alarm.  He  also  knew  that  the  present 
course  of  events  tended  very  strongly  to  incorporate 
the  kingdom  of  Bohemia  more  closely  than  ever  with 
the  empire;  and  he  found  a less  expensive  and  peril- 
ous policy  in  allowing  events  to  shape  themselves 


DRDA  IMPRISONED.  PROKOP^S  PROPHECY 


175 


than  in  attempting  forcibly  to  hasten  the  work  to 
which  his  aims,  and  the  ambition  of  his  family 
prompted  him. 

Nicolas  received  a commission  to  traverse  the 
kingdom  and  make  observations.  Not  being  allowed 
an  escort,  he  selected,  or  was  induced  to  accept 
Brother  Tertius  as  traveling  comrade.  Slowly  pene- 
trating the  desolated  inlands,  the  companions  at  length 
approached  the  hill  of  Sadowa,  where  signs  of  habi- 
tations presented  themselves.  Here  a numerous  camp 
of  refugees  had  created  a rough  palisade  defense. 
A few  wagons  also  and  oxen  were  observed,  the 
former  with  wheels  composed  of  solid  blocks,  or  con- 
sisting of  two  half  circles  of  wood  joined  by  strong 
wooden  pins.  Here  the  travelers  respectfully  craved 
shelter  and  some  food.  ‘‘We  are  famishing  in  truth,’’ 
said  Nicolas,  “and  we  suffer.”  The  outpost  replied 
by  bidding  his  visitors  wait.  He  soon  returned  with 
a peasant  named  Kralek,  who  recognized  the  duke, 
having  formerly  been  attached  to  Otakar’s  own 
cavalry  legion  at  Kressenbrunn,  and  Yedensdorf. 
“Personally  you  are  welcome.  Lord  Duke,”  exclaimed 
Kralek,  “but  your  companion  is  of  those  we  like  not. 
He  bears  the  cross  of  those  now  well  known  to  have 
been  concerned  at  Gran.  He  must  remain  without; 
and  as  for  food,  he  must  be  content  if  you  share 
with  him  your  own  ration.  Our  supply  is  extremely 
scanty.”  Nicolas  must  needs  accept  the  terms. 
Brother  Tertius  accommodated  himself  as  best  he 
could;  and  a small  piece  of  black, coarse  bread  con- 
stituted his  sole  entertainment. 


176 


DRDA  IMPRISONED.  PROKOP'S  PROPHECY 


As  Nicolas  advanced  he  displayed  the  insignia  of  the 
lion  of  Habsburg,  wrought  on  his  mantle  as  indication 
of  his  'service.  The  company  consisted  of  about 
seventy  persons, evidently  in  sore  need.  Their  only 
shelter  consisted  of  rude  huts  thatched  with  grass; 
poor  and  ragged  clothing  supplemented  by  grass 
matting  shielded  women  and  children  from  the  chilly 
air;  but  all  seemed  cheerful.  They  were  just  then 
closing  their  religious  exercise  under  the  guidance  of 
Prokop.  Lady  Ludmila  and  Milada  stood  among  the 
mixed  congregation;  and  as  Nicolas  advanced  slowly 
he  heard  Prokop  close  his  exhortation  saying:  — 
“But  in  these  sad  times,  brethren,  the  evil  prevails 
over  the  good;  and  the  reproach  of  men  is  directed 
against  the  poor  of  Christ. 

“Sin’i  alcun  bon  que  ame  et  tene  Yeshu  Xrist 
Que  non  volha  maudir,  ni  jurar,  ni  mentir, 

Ni  avoutrar,  ni  aucir;  ni  penre  de  I’antruy 
Ni  venger  se  de  li  seo  enemis, 

Ilhdion  qu  ’esVaudes  edegne  de  murir.” 

Then  observing  Nicolas  and  the  lion  insignia  on  his 
vesture,  the  old  man,  raising  his  hands  and  looking 
upwards,  declared  with  much  fervor,  “There  shall 
come  an  eagle  by  whose  flight  the  lion  shall  be  des- 
troyed. There  shall  come  a young  eagle,  and  it  shall 
build  its  nest  in  the  lion’s  den.  From  the  stock  of 
this  eagle  shall  arise  another  eagle  whose  name  shall 
be  Frederic, who  shall  reign  and  rule,  and  spread  his 
wings  even  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.  In  whose  time 
the  chief  Pontiff  and  his  clergy  shall  be  broken  and 
dispersed.” 


bRDA  IMPRISON Bb.  PROKOP^S  PROPHECY  177 
Kralek  conducted  Nicolas  to  a very  rude  shelter  of 
branches,  procured  for  him  some  muddy  water,  and 
at  early  dawn  the  duke  and  his  companion  silently 
departed. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

NEW  POLICIES,  DEATH  OF  KUNIGUNDE. 

The  dreary  winter  dragged  itself  slowly  away,  all 
the  more  noticeably  dilatory  as  men’s  hopes  had 
confidently  centered  in  the  revival  of  national  auton- 
omy, at  least  nominally,  at  the  close  of  Otto’s  term 
of  regency.  In  May,  1283,  the  emperor  expressed 
himself  satisfied  that  peace  and  obedience  were  as- 
sured in  Bohemia.  A numerous  cavalcade,  unex- 
pectedly brilliant,  conducted  young  Wenzel  to 
Prague.  Here  a faded  court  in  some  degree  restored, 
and  also  disappointed  public  expectation.  The  young 
queen  came  surrounded  with  attendants  exclusively 
foreign.  But  the  government  administered  by  aliens 
created  violent,  albeit  suppressed  antagonism.  The 
boy  king  yearned  for  the  presence  and  sympathy  of 
his  mother,  whom  he  had  not  seen  during  more  than 
four  years.  Queen  Kunigunde,  Zawis  and  their  son, 
with  a few  chosen  attendants,  assumed  at  Wenzel’s 
special  command  a permanent  residence  in  the  royal 
palace;  and  all  parties  yielded  pre-eminence  to  the 
commanding  mind,  energy,  and  dignity  of  Lord  Zawis, 
as  the  person  best  capable  of  directing  state  affairs 
in  the  present  emergency.  Zawis  knew,  counseled, 
directed,  and  soon  controlled  by  the  force  of  his  per- 

178 


I^EIV  POLICIES.  DEATH  OF  KUNIGUNDE  179 

sonality,  his  experience,  and  the  glad  deference  of 
his  step-son. 

This  condition  of  the  government  at  Prague,  where 
Lord  Zawis  of  necessity  administered  the  chief  au- 
thority without  hinderance,  created  displeasure  and 
disquietude  at  the  imperial  court.  A strong  patriot, 
the  chief  of  the  Wtkowici,  the  embodiment  of  Bohe- 
mian distinctive  nationality  ill  suited  the  jealousy 
and  the  ambition  of  the  now  consolidated  Habsburg 
interest. 

By  a singular  oversight,  no  precaution  had  been 
adopted  against  such  an  eventuality. 

Wenzel  succeeded  to  the  formal  and  legitimate 
jurisdiction  of  his  hereditary  estates.  His  crown 
represented  an  independent  internal  jurisdiction.  His 
vote  in  the  empire  could  not  be  impugned  so  soon  as 
he  grew  old  enough  to  exercise  it;  and  Albert  appre- 
hended disastrous  results  to  his  own  prospects  should 
he  now  provoke  the  hostility  of  the  Bohemian  crown. 
Accordingly  court  favor  was  carefully  cultivated.  Ru- 
dolph and  Albertexhibited  both  respect  and  deference 
to  the  King  of  Bohemia;  but  the  emperor  claimed 
greater  compliance  with  his  wishes  on  the  part  of  his 
son-in-law  than  he  had  hitherto  received.  As  Wen- 
zel advanced  in  age,  the  influence  of  Queen  Judith*^- 
and  her  confessor  and  counselors  acquired  still 
greater  influence.  The  young  king  exhibited  im- 
patience of  the  authority  of  his  step-father;  and  the 
effect  of  imperial  suggestions  on  that  side  became 
apparent. 

The  first  care  of  the  new  administrator  had  arisen 


180  hIBlV  POUCIBS.  DBAtH  OF  kUNiGUNDB  . 

from  the  presence  and  lawless  activity  of  military 
depredators  who  had  established  themselves  in  vari- 
ous strong  places,  and  rendered  traffic  perilous,  and 
in  many  directions  iippossible.  To  the  suppression 
of  this  brigandage  Zawis  directed  his  energetic  efforts. 
His  first  selection  of  an  officer  to  suppress  these 
disorders  rested  on  Duke  Nicolas,  partly  as  son  of 
the  late  king,  partly  as  an  experienced  captain,  and 
partly  as  an  avowed  advocate  of  the  imperial  policy. 

‘‘To  you,  valiant  duke,  the  king  commits  the  sup- 
pression of  these  culprits,”  declared  Zawis,  “well 
knowing  your  soldier  fidelity,  and  your  adherence 
to  the  royal  house.” 

“The  commission  does  me  honor,”  replied  Nicolas; 
“but  I presume  the  selection  is  made  in  default  of  a 
more  confidential  person.” 

“I  know  of  none  whom  I more  willingly  confide 
in,”  answered  Zawis.  “To  whom  does  your  valor  al- 
lude.?” 

“Probaby  the  malefactors’  retreat  at  Olmiitz  can 
answer  your  question,”  insolently  replied  the  duke. 
“The  fellow  attempted  to  play  the  ambassador,  and 
earned  a dungeon  for  his  presumption.  He  has  left 
his  lady  love  to  mourn  by  his  effrontery.” 

“You  will  proceed  to  execute  your  commission,”  re- 
plied Zawis;  and  the  king  expects  full  obedience  and 
prompt  report  of  your  proceedings.” 

Here  unexpectedly  flashed  the  intelligence  of 
Drda’s  imprisonment.  The  fact  had  been  closely 
concealed;  and  Nicolas  had  been  the  instigator.  “He 
be?  ^ about  him  the  tokens  of  his  illegitimate  origin,” 


HEIV  POLICIES.  DEATH  OF  KUNIGUNDE 


181 


soliloquized  Zawis;  has  the  valor  of  his  father 
spoiled  by  a vulgar  malignity  that  never  sullied  the 
character  of  the  Premysls.  He  will  yet  work  us  evil  in 
revenge  for  his  consciousness  of  his  own  exclusion.” 

An  order  from  the  king  to  inspect  the  condition 
of  all  the  prisons  of  the  kingdom  for  the  purpose  of 
reviving  the  long  neglected  criminal  jurisprudence 
previously  administered  with  strict  regularity,  en- 
abled Zawis  to  inform  himself  of  the  number,  pos- 
sibly  considerable,  of  prisoners  of  malice  he  might 
discover.  All  these  persons  must  certainly  increase 
his  partisans,  and  extend  the  reputation  of  his  policy. 
The  general  order,  issued  in  very  indefinite  terms, 
afforded  Zawis  wide  latitude.  With  Drda  received 
their  liberty  a number  of  persons  imprisoned  solely 
on  the  order  of  Bishop  Bruno,  and  charged,  when 
charged  at  all,  only  with  neglect  of  attendance  at 
divine  ordinances. 

Drda  entered  Prague  with  a cheerful  air,  deter- 
mined to  deprive  his  enemies  of  all  reason  for  sup- 
posing him  either  depressed  or  out  of  humor.  As 
none  at  court,  except  Lord  Zawis,  knew  of  his  de- 
tention, he  received  and  sought  for  no  special  recog- 
nition. Lady  Ludmila  welcomed  him  with  her  usual 
stately  grace;  but  accorded  no  manifestation  of  es- 
pecial interest.  Her  questions,  however,  were  nu- 
merous; and  a wish  for  information  on  the  state  oi 
the  country  detained  Drda  long  by  her  side.  She 
held  him  there,  and  yet  restrained  his  earnest  replies; 
until  Kunigunde  herself  rallied  him  on  his  emaciated 
appearance. 


182 


NEIV  POLICIES.  DEATH  OF  KUNIGUNDE 


“In  truth/’  replied  Drda, “there  is  little  to  eat  where 
I have  been.  The  residents  are  surly;  and  yet  their 
hospitality  will  not  permit  a stranger  to  depart  so 
long  as  they  can  overcome  his  disposition  to  be 
gone.”  Here  a shade  of  care  she  struggled  to  conceal 
passed  over  Lady  Ludmila’s  face.  A sentiment  of 
sympathy  did  exhibit  itself;  and  a slight  tremor  of 
the  lip  told  of  an  emotion  she  would  not  avov/. 
Drda  received  scant  opportunity  for  dalliance,  how- 
ever. As  Rudolph  had  seized  the  entire  revenues  of 
Moravia  for  two  years  to  indemnify  himself  for  mili- 
tary expenses,  and  as  these  sources  of  income  consti- 
tuted in  fact  the  chief  dependence  of  Wenzel  for 
household  disbursements,  the  charges  of  the  palace 
formed  a subject  of  great  anxiety  to  Zawis.  Drda 
accordingly  received  commission  to  investigate  the 
economic  condition  of  Moravia,  and  endeavor  to 
restore  order  to  the  finances  of  that  dukedom,  which, 
according  to  ancient  custom, belonged  to  Wenzel  un- 
til the  birth  of  an  heir  to  the  crown. 

During  nearly  two  years  Zawis  held  his  place  and 
his  dignity;  and  Wenzel  exhibited  a boy’s  preference 
for  the  counsels  of  his  mother  over  the  petty  fractious- 
ness and  girlish  whims  of  his  queen.  With  difficulty 
Wenzel  acquired  some  of  the  elements  of  education, 
He  learned  to  read,  and  imbibed  some  ideas  of  state 
duties  from  persons  around  him;  but  all  mingled  with 
the  fictions  told  to  him  by  idle  mercenaries  who 
amused  his  imagination  with  tales  of  magic  and  of 
supernatural  inventions.  'He  grew  suspicious, moody, 
perplexed  by  the  contradictions  between  his  kingly 


NEJV  POLICIES.  DEATH  OF  KUNIGUNDE 


183 


duties  and  the  practical  affairs  of  state,  and  the  wild 
theories  of  ghostly  influences  instilled  in  his  mind  by 
the  interested  gossips  about  him.  In  such  a con- 
dition of  mind  Wenzel  lent  a ready  ear  to  accusations 
against  his  officers,  and  especially  his  step-father. 
To  an  ignorant  mind  success  and  power  seem  to 
spring  only  from  abuse  of  opportunity.  The  thousand 
details,  the  myriad  of  special  instances,  and  the 
infinite  exercise  of  skill  and  judgment  that  lead  to 
the  combination  known  as  success, are  all  overlooked. 
Ignorance  always  attributes  the  worst  motives,  and 
if  this  ignorance  be  associated  with  supposed  super- 
natural or  Satanic  influences,  the  result  is  an  amal- 
gam of  fear  and  hatred  that  is  ready  to  annihilate  the 
success  as  the  result  of  hostility  to  the  dupe  himself. 
The  ignorant  always  believes  himself  to  be  the  es- 
pecial object  of  attack.  This  moody  temper  readily 
corresponded  with  the  purposes  of  the  young  queen 
and  her  counselors.  Judith  frequently  complained 
of  the  straitened  circumstances  of  the  royal  finances. 
A peremptory  order  from  the  king  required  Zawis  to 
disclose  the  condition  of  the  kingdom,  and  especially 
of  the  revenues. 

Wenzel  had  already  acquired  that  disposition  so 
frequently  exhibited  since  by  the  rulers  of  Austria 
and  Spain, — to  require  wealth  to  spring  from  the 
substance  of  the  country's  property  and  not  from  the 
economic  proceeds  of  it.  Hence,  at  the  urgent  in- 
stigation of  the  queen,  he  required  his  minister  to 
seize  all  that  was  needed  directly  from  those  who  had 
something,  utterly  regardless  of  the  instant  ruin 


184  NEIV  POLICIES.  DEATH  OF  KUhllGUNDE 

thereby  created.  In  presence  of  full  royal  council 
Zawis  exposed  the  condition  of  the  country. 

“According  to  my  polyptic  carefully  compiled  dur- 
ing the  last  two  years/^  explained  Zawis,  “instead  of 
thirty-eight  great  towns  there  remain  but  nine. 

“Instead  of  two  hundred  and  nineteen  towns  of 
second  class  are  to  be  found  now  but  seventy-three; 
and  our  villages  and  hamlets  have  been  reduced  from 
fourteen  hundred  and  eighteen  to  less  than  three  hun- 
dred. On  the  happy  return  of  the  king  not  a mark 
remained  in  the  treasury. 

“Even  the  archives  had  been  pillaged.  We  have 
not  yet  secured  a full  statement  of  the  debts  due  to 
or  from  the  crown. 

“The  crown  lands  have  been  alienated, some  openly 
enclosed  by  greedy  lords  in  order  to  extend  their  own 
domains,  some  seized  under  pretense  of  donation  by 
old  and  new  monastic  orders.  The  revenues  from 
the  crown  lands,  hitherto  the  most  regular  and  relia- 
ble source  of  income,  have  almost  disappeared.  The 
peasantry  have  wholly  died  out  in  many  parts  of  Bo- 
hemia and  Moravia  and  steps  have  been  taken  to 
transfer  colonists  into  the  vacant  regions.  Robbers 
long  destroyed  the  hopes  and  the  industry  of  mer- 
chants; but  these  banditti  have  felt  the  arm  of  power. 
The  public  accounts  have  been  regularly  submitted; 
and  rarely  have  we  succeeded  in  covering  our  ex- 
penses. Army  there  is  none.  Scarcely  a nobleman 
can  furnish  the  quota  that  his  estate  demands.  The 
king’s  interest  compels  the  most  careful  suppression 
of  all  but  the  most  needful  expenses.” 


NEIV  POLICIES.  DEATH  OF  KUNIGUNDE 


185 


“The  church  has  not  received  its  dues  in  tenths, 
primates,  offerings, or  services,”  exclaimed  the  queen’s 
confessor. 

“The  comforts  of  the  ecclesiastics  have  been  suffi- 
ciently provided  for,”  replied  Zawis.  “On  this  sub- 
ject hear  the  report  of  the  king’s  comn^issioner: 
‘Among  other  complaints  and  remonstrances  must 
be  mentioned  that  of  the  “Thorn  Crown,”  now  by 
some  named  the  “Golden  Crown,”  monastery.  This 
house,  established  by  King  Otakar  about  twenty-four 
years  since,  and  endowed  munificently,  has  cease- 
lessly complained  that  its  revenues  are  not  paid. 

It  is  situated  on  the  very  field  of  Kressenbriinn, 
and  has  been  the  center  of  repeated  conflict.  On 
our  visit  we  perceived  a marked  contrast  between  • 
this  establishment  and  the  poverty  of  the  sur- 
rounding region.  Ten  large,  shaggy  deer  hounds 
reposed  before  the  huge  fire  in  the  great  hall  where 
we  gladly  sheltered  ourselves.  Ample  viands  and 
wine  stocked  the  larder  and  the  cellar,  and  the  breth- 
ren exhibited  every  proof  of  abundant  good  cheer. 
The  stables  furnished  us  with  the  best  horses,  and 
we  departed  with  thankfulness  for  the  best  provison 
and  most  munificent  hospitality  we  have  as  yet  en- 
joyed.’ I would,”  concluded  Lord  Zawis,  “that  all 
the  king’s  dominions  exhibited  the  same  picture  of 
prosperity.” 

During  this  period  Kunigunde’s  health  gradually 
and  mysteriously  declined. 

Her  life  formed  the  only  bond  between  Lord  Zawis 
and  the  power  that  he  wielded. 


186 


NEIV  POLICIES.  DEATH  OF  KUNIGUNDE 


Increasingly  the  king  and  queen  exhibited  impa- 
tience of  his  authority;  but  the  presence  of  Kunigunde, 
still  the  natural  guardian  of  her  son,  a youth  of  six- 
teen, and  retaining  much  of  his  deference  and  attach- 
ment, supported  the  presence,  and  with  the  pres- 
ence the  undisputed  authority  of  her  husband.  A ca- 
bal in  the  palace  gradually  coalesced  into  a distinct 
party,  at  first  secretly,  and  soon  openly  hostile  to 
Zavvis. 

Kunigunde’s  attendants  were  suddenly  changed; 
and  Teresa,  with  quiet  mystery,  but  incessant  vigi- 
lance, directed  the  purchase  and  distribution  of  all 
provision  for  the  palace. 

“I  experience  a depressing  change,’’  said  the  dow- 
ager queen  to  her  husband,  ^‘since  that  woman  was 
thrust  upon  me.  I feel  a burning,  a thirst,  and  a 
lassitude  that  causes  me  apprehension.” 

“I  would  we  enjoyed  the  services  of  my  former 
Hebrew  friend,”  answered  Zawis,  ^'but  I fear  he  is  at 
too  great  a distance.  I will,  however,  dispatch  a 
messenger.  Perhaps  he  may  arrive  in  time.” 

Kunigunde  languished,  and  ere  many  days  drooped 
towards  death.  ^‘Dear  Zawis,”  she  said,  “I  have  ob- 
served a change  in  my  son.  He  is  now  wholly  un- 
der the  control  of  the  queen.  Even  the  selection  of 
my  own  viands  has  been  denied  to  me.  I charge 
you  to  beware  also;  or  we  may  both  be  the  victims 
of  ill  practice.  We  must  soon  be  separated,  my  dear 
lord;  I feel  it.  To  your  wisdom  I commend  our 
son.  To  you  I entrust  for  his  benefit  all  the  incon- 
siderable fortune  appertaining  to  me.  Farewell, 


NEIV  POLICIES.  DEATH  OF  KUNIGUNDE 


187 


dear,  I know  the  end  approaches.  You  have  with 
you  my  whole  love  and  honor;  and  I ask  for  you 
the  best  blessings  from  on  high.  You  have  deserved 
far  better  than  you  have  received;  and  I fear  your 
manly  heart  must  encounter  still  more  determined 
animosity  when  my  poor  presence  is  withdrawn. 
Farewell;  kiss  me,  dear  Zawis.  It  is  the  last  time’’ — 
and  with  these  gentle  words  Kunigunde  suddenly 
breathed  her  last. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

PLOTS  AND  COUNTERPLOTS. 

The  death  of  the  queen  mother  produced  almost 
a revolution  in  Bohemia.  Immediately  the  national 
party  gave  way  to  the  court  and  clerical  party.  Not, 
however,  until  nearly  two  years  after  did  Zawis  retire 
to  his  estate,  still  retaining  the  avowed  leadership  of 
the  opposition  to  the  encroachments  of  the  Habs- 
burg  dynasty.  The  years  1285  and  1286  found  Zawis 
and  the  young  king  employed  in  reducing  refractory 
barons,  especially  in  Moravia.  Here  Wenzel  received 
his  first  practical  lessons  in  actual  military  ope- 
rations. The  great  minister  supplied  every  oppor- 
tunity to  his  royal  pupil  to  acquire  the  full  education 
of  a ruler. 

At  once  started  into  prominence  a host  of  enemies, 
each  of  whom  preferred  some  grievance.  One  had 
suffered  imprisonment  for  brigandage;  another  had 
been  compelled  to  surrender  a portion  of  the  royal 
domains;  a third  had  been  refused  an  official  place, 
and  had  seen  it  bestowed  on  a rival  neighbor.  The 
court  resounded  with  clamors.  The  truth  of  these 
complaints  demonstrated  the  justness  of  the  suffering 
in  each  case.  But  the  remonstrants  well  knew  that 
their  partisanship  would  find  welcome,  however  their 
denunciations  might  be  despised.  Such  persons  fail  to 

188 


PLOTS  MD  COUNTERPLOTS 


189 


remember  that  party  will  exact  tenfold  slavery  by  the 
very  confessions  that  intensify  its  new-found  zeal. 
Rudolph  smiled  at  these  demonstrations,  and  directly 
refused  to  adopt  any  measure  against  the  lord  of 
Fiirstenberg,  He  felt  more  than  content  to  discover 
palpable  evidences  of  hot  dissensions  in  Bohemia  in 
the  near  future.  To  the  clerical  party  the  retirement 
of  Zawis  caused  only  mild  gratification.  They  dreaded 
to  create  antagonism  between  Bohemia  and  Albert, 
already  openly  attempting  to  render  the  imperial 
throne  hereditary.  The  quiet  character  of  Tobias, 
the  bishop,  precluded  demonstrations  from  that  quar- 
ter; and  he  prudently  awaited  developments,  before 
declaring  to  which  side  he  perceived  the  victory  would 
incline. 

A bishop  from  the  Witkowici,  Dietrich  of  Neuhaus, 
now  governed  Olmiitz  as  successor  to  Bruno;  and 
that  strong  family  alliance  still  remained  unbroken. 

A state  council  necessarily  assembled  for  the  pur- 
pose of  enabling  the  new  administration  to  present  to 
the  king  a full  statement  of  public  affairs.  At  this 
council  were  present  Wenzel,  Duke  Nicolas,  Tobias, 
Burkhard  of  Janowic,  Zdislas  of  Lowenberg,  and 
Benes  of  Wartenberg. 

The  notarius  employed  by  Lord  Zawis,  Nicolas 
Jaroslav,  also  attended  to  make  explanations  if  nec- 
essary. The  king  had  already  become  familiar  with 
the  military  administration  and  knew  its  condition. 

At  length  Nicolas  arose.  must  call  the  atten- 
tion,” he  said,  ‘^of  my  lords,  to  a deficiency  in  the 
revenues  from  Gratz  in  the  dukedom  of  Troppau, 


190 


PLOTS  AND  COUNTERPLOTS 


which  I have  the  honor  to  represent  in  this  council. 
I observe  a payment  of  fifty  thousand  marks  to  the 
late  autocrat — 

“Do  you  refer  to  my  father?’^  sharply  interposed 
Wenzel. 

“I  allude,  your  highness,  to  the  usurper  whose 
long  control  of  our  affairs  seems  to  have  been  not 
unaccompanied  by  personal  enrichment  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  kingdom.  The  sum  of  fifty  thousand 
marks  has  been  set  down  as  paid  to  that  person,  in 
the  public  record;  but  no  authority  for  such  payment 
seems  producible.” 

“How  say  you,  Mr.  Notarius.^”’  asked  Benes. 

“I  know  that  the  records  contain  the  entry,” 
replied  Jaroslav;  “and  my  recollection  is  that 
the  order  setting  apart  that  sum  for  the  late  queen 
was  duly  enrolled  and  registered  under  orders  from 
King  Otakar.” 

“Can  you  produce  that  document.?”  tauntingly  in- 
quired Nicolas. 

“I  can  only  repeat  that  it  was  duly  deposited  with 
the  others  in  the  chest  devoted  to  such  papers.  Only 
this  morning  I placed  it  before  me  in  readiness  for 
this  council;  but  being  suddenly  called  away  by  a 
messenger  from  your  highness,  I did  not  restore  the 
document  to  its  place,  and  on  my  return,  to  my  dis- 
traction, it  was  missing.” 

“What  other  evidence  have  you,  if  any,  of  the 
proper  payment  of  that  sum  to  the  Queen  Kuni- 
gunde .?” 

“I  respectfully  present  to  the  council, ”replied  Jar- 


PLOTS  AND  COUNTERPLOTS  191 

oslav,  “the  marriage  contract  between  the  Queen 
Kunigunde  and  the  Lord  Zawis.  It  is  signed  by 
the  queen’s  hand,  and  duly  authenticated  by  noble 
lords  not  now  present/^ 

“The  signature,”  observed  Wenzel,  with  some  em- 
barrassment, “may  be  that  of  my  honored  mother. 
The  docum.ent  seems  regular;  it  has  been  within 
the  reach  of  noble  lords  for  examination;  and  I can- 
not permit  my  respected  parent’s  word  to  be  ques- 
tioned.” 

“The  marriage  contract  as  such,”  observed  Benes, 
“is  good  as  between  the  parties.  But  as  a state 
document, it  should  be  accompanied  with  the  author- 
ity duly  registered.”  On  consultation,  the  council 
decided  to  exclude  Jaroslav  and  place  him  under 
guard  until  final  action  could  be  taken.  But  he  was 
permitted  to  make  further  search.  His  first  efforts 
proving  fruitless,  he  appealed  to  Agaphia,  the  other 
witness  to  the  marriage  contract  then  present  in  the 
palace. 

“Never  you  yield, Nicolas,”  exclaimed  Agaphia.  “It 
is  a conspiracy.  I served  my  adorable  queen  during 
all  her  sojourn  here,  during  her  first  marriage,  and 
her  second.  I transacted  all  her  business  in  the 
purchase  of  robes,  in  the  expenses  of  her  household, 
and  of  her  children;  I distributed  her  bounty  to 
those  who  now  defame  her.  I have  often  clothed  the 
children  of  spendthrift  lords  and  ladies,  of  gamblers 
and  profligates,  who  squandered  their  living,  and 
decked  themselves  in  finery  from  the  queen’s  ward- 
robe generously  bestowed;  and  a more  truthful,  hon- 


192 


PLOTS  AND  COUNTERPLOTS 


orable,  and  devoted  wife  and  mother  never  lived. 
To  question  her  word,  and  her  signature,  indeed, 
poor  dead  lady!’’ 

“That  is  all  very  well,  Agaphia,”  replied  Nicolas, 
“but  did  you  happen  to  observe  any  person  enter  my 
writing  apartment  this  forenoon?” 

“A  woman  went  through  here,”  observed  the  guard. 

“Give  me  her  description,”  said  Nicolas. 

“Dressed  in  black,  much  stooped,  or  seeming  to 
be  so;  about  fifty  years  of  age, and  carrying,!  noticed, 
a small  golden  key  from  a silver  string  around  her 
neck.  The  key  shook  out  from  her  dress  as  she  hur- 
ried away.” 

“Nicolas,  dear,”  said  Agaphia  solemnly,  “never 
you  give  in.  This  is  a conspiracy.”  Nicolas  seemed 
depressed. 

“There,  my  dear,”  said  Agaphia,  putting  her  hands 
to  his  face  and  kissing  him, “there,  you  have  asked  for 
that;  now  take  heart;  and  as  sure  as  one  woman’s 
wit  can  match  another  woman’s,  we  will  discover 
the  thief.” 

“Do  you  know  such  a woman?”  asked  Nicolas  in 
great  confusion. 

“Whether  I know  such  a woman  or  not,  makes  no 
difference  now,”  answered  Agaphia.  “Be  true  to  my 
dead  mistress,  poor  dear;  and  as  I once  heard  a 
strange  man  say, ^ A little  wit  is  more  than  a match — ’” 
but  here  a summons  from  the  council  called  Nicolas 
and  his  guard  before  that  body. 

“You  are  committed  to  prison  during  the  king’s 
pleasure,”  exclaimed  Duke  Nicolas. 


PLOTS  AhID  counterplots 


193 


Hereupon  Nicolas  Jaroslav  retired,  and  forthwith 
marched  to  a cell  in  the  White  Tower  of  the  Burgate. 

On  his  return  the  guard  addressed  Agaphia  with 
great  friendliness, mingled  with  forwardness.  “I  feat 
that  young  man  has  made  a permanent  investment  in 
a dwelling,”  he  said.  ‘‘Now, like  all  you  women,  I sup- 
pose you  will  seek  the  best  chance  you  can  get.” 
Agaphia,  who  had  waited  for  the  guard’s  return  to 
obtain  what  tidings  she  could,  at  once  perceived  her 
opportunity.  Casting  down  her  eyes  and  seeming 
to  busy  herself  with  a besom  of  the  period,  that  con- 
sisted of  a bundle  of  birch  rods  tied  around  a stick, 
she  said  archly,  “Oh,  I suppose  one  man  may  be  as 
good  as  another;  and  if  he  is  made  away  with  — ”here 
she  turned  away  an  instant  to  hide  an  involuntary 
sob,  “well,  I presume  there  are  fish  in  the  sea.” 

“You  need  not  travel  so  far,”  answered  the  guard; 
“you  might  succeed  as  well  much  nearer  home.” 

“Yes,  perhaps,”  answered  Agaphia,  “but  I don’t 
know  when  is  a good  time  for  fishing;  perhaps  you 
will  tell  me  when  the  fish  can  be  taken.” 

“All  right,”  answered  the  yeoman. 

“Now,”said  Agaphia, “how  did  you  dispose  of  him. 

“Oh, he  said  'That  woman  made  a fool  of  me, kiss- 
ing me  in  that  way.’  Now  he  said  too,  ‘She  once 
gave  me  this  clasp;  but  I have  no  use  for  it  now.’” 
Hereupon  the  guard  handed  the  article  to  Agaphia. 
“Take  it  from  me.”  Agaphia  received  the  clasp  with 
great  politeness  and  cordiality.  She  knew  that  she 
had  never  given  any  such  thing  to  Nicolas;  and  she 
concluded  that  he  had  not  really  sent  it  to  her  by  the 


194 


PLOTS  AhJD  COUNTERPLOTS 


hand  of  his  yeoman  messenger.  Like  all  fabricators, 
the  latter  had  overreached  himself.  On  further  ex- 
amination, however,  she  observed  that  the  clasp  had 
formerly  belonged  to  Queen  Kunigunde,  and  had 
been  given  to  her  by  Lord  Zawis.  But  it  had  disap- 
peared. Clearly  the  source  whence  the  soldier  had 
obtained  it  probably  corresponded  with  the  origin 
of  the  disappearance  of  the  missing  state  document. 
On  further  reflection  Agaphia  concluded  that  the 
soldier  well  knew  the  woman  whom  he  had,  in  an 
unwitting  moment,  described.  For  these  reasons 
and  others  she  determined  to  watch  that  soldier  dur- 
ing his  turn  of  guard  in  the  palace,  and  avoid  all 
visit  to  the  White  Tower  during  his  duty  there.  Her 
presence  during  the  yeoman’s  watch  in  the  palace  en- 
couraged him;  and  he  gradually  confided  to  her  many 
items  of  importance.  Among  other  disclosures  he 
incidentally  alluded  to  his  knowledge  of  a strong  chest 
securely  deposited  in  the  palace.  He  also  handed  to 
her  one  day  a scrap  of  parchment  containing  a com- 
pliment from  himself;  but  on  the  other  side  were 
easily  legible  the  letters,  ‘Kar,  ’ in  a bold,  dignified 
chirography.  This  scrap  Agaphia  carefully  pre- 
served. 

During  the  year  1287  the  young  Queen  Judith 
threatened  to  retire  to  a private  station,  and  took 
formal  steps  to  carry  her  threat  into  execution. 
This  proceeding  created  consternation  in  the 
palace.  During  the  confusion  the  adherents  of  Zawis 
momentarily  assumed  the  mastery.  Agaphia  made 
careful  search  for  the  strong  chest;  and  succeeded  in 


PLOTS  AND  COUNTERPLOTS 


195 


discovering  Teresa  in  the  act  of  closing  and  locking 
precisely  such  an  inclosure.  The  woman  retired, 
supposing  herself  unobserved;  and  soon  afterwards 
departed  on  one  of  her  mysterious  errands  to  Mo- 


ravia. 


CHAPTER  XVL 

MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY. 

During  this  long  interval  Solomon  and  Don  Abra- 
ham had  been  engaged,  the  one  in  embassies  among 
his  brethren  in  Poland,  Hungary  and  Russia,  and 
partly  in  directing  the  travels  of  Spanish  Jews,  who 
found  Spain  utterly  uninhabitable  by  men  of  their 
race.  By  means  of  merchants  already  established 
in  Russia  Solomon  effected  exchanges  whereby  con- 
siderable sums  escaped  from  the  inquisitional  search 
of  the  Castilian  authorities,  who  proved  themselves 
far  more  truculent  than  those  of  Aragon.  The  other 
exerted  himself  in  establishing  a connection,  by  way 
of  the  Volga  and  the  Caspian  on  one  side,  and  the 
trade  routes  from  Barcelona  through  Dalmatia  on 
the  other,  between  the  many  wanderers  of  his  race 
who  passed  eastward  from  Spain,  and  joining  men  of 
the  same  faith  in  the  orient  spread  a knowledge  of 
the  condition  of  Europe,  the  means  of  entry,  and 
the  furious  fanaticism  prevalent  there, among  the  now 
restless  and  conquering  hordes  that  had  begun  the 
final  movement  from  the  confines  of  Turcomania  and 
Tartary.  Returning  at  this  time  in  order  to  escort 
his  family  to  a friendly  shelter  accorded  to  him 
among  the  Kharesmians,  he  decided  to  pay  a final 
visit  to  his  friends  in  Moravia. 

19G 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


197 


Zawis  resolved  to  avail  himself  of  the  mediation  of 
Solomon, Don  Abraham, and  his  brother  Witek  in  the 
negotiation  he  had  just  commenced  with  Ladislaus 
of  Hungary  for  the  hand  cf  his  youngest  sister  Judith. 
This  princess  had  entered  a convent;  but  as  in  the 
case  of  Otakar,  the  vows  assumed  presented  no  ob- 
stacle to  an  offer  of  marriage  from  so  distinguished  a 
suitor.  It  was  known  also  at  that  period  that  Lad- 
islaus suffered  from  a cutaneous  affection,  then  ex- 
tremely common,  for  which  local  practitioners  could 
suggest  no  cure,  especially  as  the  study  of  medicine 
had  been  severly  proscribed  under  ban  of  the  king- 
dom as  well  as  the  church.  Ladislaus  exhibited  an 
irritability  of  temper,  and  impatience  of  contradiction 
that  rendered  him  easily  influenced  by  appeals  to  ex- 
cess of  severity."^  For  this  reason  Solomon,  Don 
Abraham  and  Witek  determined  to  assume  all  their 
dignity.  No  other  men  in  Europe  could  command  more 
courtly  demeanor,  more  royal  self-carriage,  and  more 
diplomatic  learning  and  address.  Abraham,  himself 
a member  of  one  of  the  most  cultivated  and  exalted 
reigning  families,  who  had  augmented  the  splendor 
of  Cordova;  Solomon,  a rabbi  of  the  rabbis,  of  the 
school  that  had  shed  infinite  luster  on  the  science  of 
Spain;  and  Witek,  a knight  unstained  in  honor,  and 
not  surpassed  in  grave  discourse  even  by  his 
brother,  formed  an  embassy  by  whose  presence  Lad- 
islaus felt  himself  abashed.  The  foremost  position 

*Napoleon  Bonaparte  contracted  a similar  disease  at  the  siege  ol 
Toulon  from  the  rammer  of.  a gun.  He  did  not  eradicate  it  until 
after  he  became  emperor;  and  much  of  his  sleepless  restlessness  and 
impatience  rose  from  the  torment  of  this  ailment, 


198 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


necessarily  fell  to  Witek  as  the  personal  representa- 
tive of  his  brother;  to  Abraham  and  Solomon  fell 
such  a share  as  their  wisdom  might  suggest. 

Ladislaus  received  this  deputation  in  the  midst  of 
a retinue  of  the  most  heterogeneous  character  and 
appearance.  Abraham,  clad  in  his  full  robes  with 
aigrette  and  plume,  advanced  at  the  head  of  the 
cavalcade.  His  charger,  an  Arab  of  descent  that 
might  be  from  the  stud  of  King  Solomon,  proudly 
represented  the  symmetry,  gentleness,  and  endur- 
ance of  the  noblest  in  Arabia.  Witek, in  full  knight’s 
armor,  bearing  his  shield  and  cognizance  with  sash 
of  white  and  scarlet  silk,  came  next;  and  then  rode 
his  escort,  consisting  of  twelve  stout  men  at  arms, 
every  man  a bronzed  veteran  who  had  followed  Ota- 
kar  from  Kressenbriinn  to  Remove  and  the  Baltic, 
and  had  seen  alike  the  flight  of  the  Hungarians,  Cu- 
manians,  and  Prussians,  and  sometimes  of  the  Teu- 
tonic brethren  also,  who  found  the  blue  eyes  and  fair 
hair  of  the  sons  of  Pogesania  not  unaccompanied  by 
stalwart  arms  and  keen  military  perception. 

In  the  rear  rode  Solomon  on  a Spanish  mule,  his 
quiet  demeanor  and  professional  garb  denoting  his 
character  as  a student.  The  cortege  reproduced  in 
all  particulars  the  elements  of  an  oriental  embassy 
of  the  first  rank,  the  prince,  the  knight,  and  the 
statesman. 

Ladislaus  very  ceremoniously  acknowledged  the 
honor  done  to  his  sister  and  his  house,  and  the  dig- 
nity of  the  princely  nobleman  who  had  commissioned 
the  embassy.  Abraham  and  Solomon,  accustomed 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


199 


to  the  stately  splendor  of  Cordova,  the  wealth  of 
taste  and  ornament  in  its  palaces,  the  profusion  of 
art  in  accessories  and  embellishments,  the  combined 
utility  and  beauty  of  aqueduct  and  fountain,  and 
the  splendor  of  coloring  in  the  habiliments  even  of 
the  poorest,  that  shone  out  even  where  soiled  and 
worn,  felt  a momentary  thrill  of  pride,  at  observing, 
as  now  they  did  for  the  first  time  with  keen  percep- 
tion because  their  thoughts  assumed  that  direction, 
the  contrast  presented  between  the  royal  surround- 
ings of  the  king  of  Hungary  and  the  wonders  their 
people  had  conferred  on  Spain,  that  despised  and 
mutilated  them. 

Witek  explained  his  embassy  formally.  “My 
brother,  the  Lord  Zawis,’’  he  said,  “seeks  an  alliance 
with  the  illustrious  house  of  Hungary.  He  desires 
thus  to  testify  at  once  his  confidence  in  the  royal 
family  of  which  your  highness  is  the  royal  chief,  and 
his  personal  devotion  to  the  excellent  and  virtuous 
lady  whose  hand  he  solicits.” 

“Permit  me,”  added  Abraham  “to  add  my  personal 
tribute  of  respect  and  admiration  for  the  distinguished 
nobleman  whom  I have  the  honor,  in  part,  to  repre- 
sent. His  character  and  his  career  are  alike  illustrious 
in  wisdom,  virtue,  and  patriotism.  He  has  long 
nobly  and  with  marked  success  ruled  a nation  re- 
quiring all  the  dignity  of  self-possession,  all  the  skill 
of  statesmanship,  and  all  the  patience  of  true  cour- 
age to  control.  He  has  evoked  order  out  of  extreme 
confusion;  he  has  created  prosperity  where  he  found 
pnly  poverty  and  ruin;  and  he  has  placed  his  conntry 


200 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


on  an  elevation  to  be  respected  and  trusted,  after  it 
had  been  prostrated  by  enemies  of  whom  your  high- 
ness is  by  no  means  the  least  in  power  and  courage. 
His  personal  character  is  exhibited  by  the  prefer- 
ence accorded  to  him  by  the  distinguished  queen  whom 
he  has  lost;  and  he  believes  he  sees  in  the  princess 
whom  he  solicits  a worthy  successor  of  the  amiable 
lady  whom  his  country  still  deplores/^ 

Abraham’s  diplomatic  purpose  extended  beyond 
the  marriage  alliance.  It  included  also  a deeper 
meaning;  and  as  such  Ladislaus  interpreted  his  ad- 
dress. To  Solomon,  for  the  present,  fell  the  more 
prosaic  duty  of  assuring  the  king  that  Bohemia  and 
Moravia  were  absolutely  free  from  epidemic;  that 
peace  and  revived  prosperity  encouraged  domestic 
industries;  and  that  repose  seemed  to  portend  a 
happy  residence  at  Fiirstenberg,  should  the  king  ac- 
cept the  very  friendly  overture  now  made.’’ 

Ladislaus  replied  that  he  felt  flattered  by  the  re- 
quest presented  for  his  sister’s  hand. 

“I  am  especially  honored,”  he  added,  ‘*by  the  il- 
lustrious embassy  that  my  brother  Zawis  has  com- 
missioned; and  I return  to  your  highness, — to  your 
excellent  valor,  — and  to  your  scholarly  wisdom,  my 
profound  acknowledgment  for  the  conspicuous  cour- 
tesy with  which  you  have  honored  my  court,  and 
the  exalted  sentiments  and  polished  language  which 
you  have  spoken.  That  you  considered  such  com- 
mendation of  your  illustrious  chief  appropriately  pre- 
sented to  me  demands  my  grateful  thanks  for  the 
compliment  it  implies,  that  I am  a person  to  whoni 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


201 


such  sentiments  and  such  expression  of  them  could 
rightfully  and  worthily  be  addressed.  Permit  me  to 
add,  that  I trust  three  such  distinguished  personages 
will  deign  to  favor  me  still  further,  with  the  expres- 
sion of  your  wise  counsel,  so  soon  as  we  can  have 
provided  such  entertainment  as  is  fitting.” 

The  best  resources  of  Hungary  furnished  a royal 
banquet;  and  Ladislaus  had  acquired  sufficient 
knowledge  of  Jewish  and  Islamite  abhorrence  of  the 
forbidden  quadruped  carefully  to  banish  every,  even 
indirect  viand  of  that  quality  from  the  bountiful  re- 
past. “Pardon  our  national  custom,”  said  Ladislaus, 
in  having  his  first  measure  of  wine  poured.  “I  drink 
to  your  best  health,  highness,  and  valiant  lords  and 
gentlemen.” 

Abraham  and  Solomon  permitted  a portion  of  wine 
to  be  set  before  each  of  them;  and  as  Ladislaus  drank 
to  their  health  they  raised  the  cup  to  their  lips,  allow- 
ing the  wine  barely  to  touch,  but  did  not  taste.  This 
concession,  the  highest  compliment  they  could  offer, 
afforded  Ladislaus  and  Witek  perfect  gratification; 
as  on  this  point  alone  they  had  apprehended  a slight 
fissure  in  the  otherwise  firm  and  placid  surface  of 
friendly  harmony.  Ladislaus  and  his  lords  were 
prepared,  in  perfect  candor,  to  accept  such  expres- 
sion of  statesmanship  as  their  guests  might  be  pleased 
to  present. 

“Your  highness,”  said  Ladislaus,  “has  traveled  and 
observed  in  the  east,  and  west,  and  south.  From 
the  north  at  present  I anticipate  nothing.  Perhaps 
you  will  favor  us  with  your  judgment  of  the  political 


202 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


prospects  of  those  countries,  and  of  the  cause  of 
them.’’ 

“Your  ro3^al  courtesy,”  replied  Abraham, “will  per- 
mit me  to  dispose  myself,  according  to  the  gravity  of 
this  occasion, in  the  attitude  I find  most  consonant  to 
discourse.”  He  then  seated  himself  on  a large  cush- 
ioned divan,  after  his  national  custom.  Then  bend- 
ing his  head  a little,  and  stroking  his  long  black  beard 
with  his  left  hand,  the  prince  said: 

“I  have  observed,  among  the  nations  that  I am 
familiar  with,  that  the  complex  principle  which  we 
call  humanity  can  be  successfully  addressed  only  in 
part  to  a race  that  could  not  develop  the  same  prin- 
ciple to  an  equal  degree  for  itself. 

“An  isolated  race, like  the  Tatars,  acquires  one  idea 
in  great  intensity,  usually  that  of  extreme  hostility 
to  strangers,  in  order  to  preserve  its  own  isolation. 
Conversely,  the  people  that  develops  a passion  for 
inflicting  death  as  a penalty  for  opinions  that  it  dis- 
likes, exhibits  therein  a descent  towards  barbarism. 
The  passion  itself  has  its  origin  in  sources  allied  to 
savagery. 

“An  inferior  race,  receiving  from  another  more  ad- 
vanced an  idea  higher  than  it  had  developed  for  itself, 
intensifies  that  idea  to  the  exclusion  of  others;  and 
if  the  higher  race  does  not  practice  the  same  idea 
with  equal  vigor,  it  will  become  the  victim  of  the  in- 
ferior rendered  desperate  by  the  singleness  that  con- 
centrates all  its  energy. 

“During  six  centuries  the  Asiatic  and  African  tribes 
in  Spain  have  presented  to  the  Spanish  mind  an  exr. 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


203 


ample  of  advance  in  elegant  arts,  in  science,  and  in 
all  polite  and  useful  literature.  The  picture  here 
presented  has  stung  the  Spaniards  to  desperation, 
by  its  elevation  above  them.  They  see  glories  before 
them  which  they  never  could  have  created,  and 
these  glories  appeal  to  their  activity;  but  their  pas- 
sion for  cruelty  prevents  an  imitation  or  even  admi- 
ration of  those  glories.  We  have  infused  a feeling, 
but  cannot  confer  capacity.  They  desire  greatness 
for  themselves;  but  they  reproduce  the  ferocity  of 
barbarism  by  the  intensity  of  the  one  idea  that  their 
chosen  moral  isolation  has  developed.  We  have 
presented  to  the  Spaniards  a wealth  of  scientific  ac- 
quirement, artistic  taste,  and  splendor  of  constructive 
achievement  such  as  no  other  nation  has  ever  re- 
ceived. Yet  a wilderness  surrounds  the  halls  of 
beauty;  poverty  and  degradation  have  replaced  ele- 
gance of  attire  and  of  manners;  and  the  howl  of  the 
wolf  has  in  wide  districts  supplanted  the  cheerful 
song  of  the  shepherd  and  the  cultivator.  We  de- 
veloped one  idea  in  our  isolation,  and  by  that  one 
we  swept  the  world  before  us  for  a time.  Our  de- 
votion to  one  exclusive  idea  will  prove  our  ruin. 
The  Spaniards  in  their  seclusion  have  reproduced 
that  love  of  shedding  blood  which  furnishes  a demon- 
stration of  the  readiness  of  men  to  re-exhibit  the  pas- 
sion necessary  to  the  isolation  of  savages,  as  the  re- 
sult of  cultivating  that  solitude  that  distinguishes 
savages.  The  cold  separation  of  their  monasteries 
has  produced  some  of  the  most  intense  examples  of 
this  passion. 


204 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


“They  have  extended  this  tendency  from  open  war- 
fare to  secret  murder;  and  this  intoxicating  fury  blinds 
their  eyes  to  the  noble  attainments  of  science,  the 
glorious  achievements  of  handicraft,  and  the  pro- 
found investigations  of  philosophy.  But  the  science 
that  they  despise,  the  art  and  beauty  that  they  de- 
face, must,  according  to  the  essential  attributes  of 
the  human  mind,  produce  a power  in  some  people 
that  cultivate  and  apply  them  with  generous  intelli- 
gence, which  will  inflict  on  ignorant  and  cruel  Spain 
a bloody  chastisement  that  will  cover  her  with  in- 
famy. She  renders  herself  empty  even  of  her  natural 
strength;  she  cuts  out  her  own  vitals,  and  exposes 
her  wanton  decrepitude  to  the  anger  of  insulted 
humanity.  The  alleged  divine  sanction  on  which 
she  rests  this  w<antonness  is  only  the  alarmed  revival 
of  atavistic  ferocity  that  seems  celestial  only  because 
it  springs  from  a hostility  to  that  complex  progress 
that  presents,  in  its  exaltation,  a menace  to  the  ig- 
norance that  cowers  before  it.  That  overawing 
splendor  seems  to  embody  an  evil  deity.  The  sav- 
age never  stays  his  hand  to  reflect  upon  the  wonders 
that  he  destroys.  If  he  did  he  would  not  be  a savage. 

“On  the  other  hand,  oriental  tribes,  now  rapidly 
combining  in  nations,  have  received  from  contact  with 
people  in  some  respects  more  advanced,  an  idea  of 
the  elevation  of  human  character  by  one  grand  senti- 
ment, the  oneness  of  the  Deity.  That  single  princi- 
ple has  become  with  them  not  only  a dominating 
creed,  but  an  excluding  philosophy.  It  exalts  men  to 
the  throne  of  God  according  to  their  theory.  They 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


205 


have  heard,  far  and  wide,  of  the  outrage  as  they 
deem  it,  done  to  this  sacred  sentiment  in  the  persons 
of  their  brethren  chiefly  in  Spain.  In  proportion  as 
European  nations  mingle  this  idea  with  others  more 
sensuously  human,  in  that  proportion  will  the 
sense  of  wrong  advance  to  a passion  in  the  oriental 
mind.  The  orient  is  even  now  in  preparation  for  a 
tremendous  advance  on  Europe.  Hungary  lies  in 
the  line  of  that  advance;  and  woe,  woe  to  Hungary 
if  she  wastes  her  strength  in  bloody  spectacles  doom- 
ing her  best  to  the  flames,  and  to  lingering  tortures 
of  want  and  pain.  The  nations  of  the  east  have 
heard,  and  their  fierceness  has  been  aroused.  When 
they  come  let  Hungary  groan  for  her  slaughtered 
multitudes,  her  desolated  altars,  her  ravaged  cities, 
and  her  children  sold  into  slavery.  All  this  terror 
will  seem  to  the  invaders  the  just  chastisement  in- 
flicted by  the  One  for  outrages  against  the  only  hu- 
manity that  they  know.  Evil  begets  only  evil;  and 
the  excesses  of  Europe  must  arouse  passions  suited 
to  other  excesses  that  may  seem  a natural  retii- 
bution.  Then  the  cry  to  heaven  over  desecrated 
fanes  shall  be  an  idle  mockery;  prayer  for  the  in- 
tervention of  the  supreme  one,  uttered  by  the  priests 
of  cruelty,  must  arise  in  a vain  delusion  before  the 
eternal  fixedness  of  the  resultant  penalty  of  evil. 

“Kings  and  statesmen  will  wisely  rule  in  conformity 
to  the  eternal  predestination  of  cause  and  effect,  and 
make  provision  accordingly.” 

Abraham  well  knew  that  a strong  party  at  court 
still  favored  his  sentiments;  and  a rugged  clanking 
of  weapons  followed  his  address. 


206 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


Ladislaus  felt  himself  between  two  fires,  and  has- 
tened to  suggest  another  theme.  ‘‘I  know,”  he  said, 
‘'that  my  learned  and  skillful  friend,  the  honored 
Rabbi  Solomon,  whom  I am  personally  glad  to  wel- 
come, will  I trust  enlighten  us  respecting  the  methods 
of  promoting  the  internal  peace  of  kingdoms,  and 
the  mutual  accord  of  the  nationalities  that  inhabit 
them.” 

Solomon,  arrayed  in  his  dark  flowing  robe,  drew 
his  athletic  figure  to  its  full  height;  and  being  a mas- 
ter of  dialectics,  and  trained  in  a school  of  orators,  he 
well  understood  the  advantage  of  an  impressive  man- 
ner. Assuming  his  gravest  aspect,  and  speaking 
with  clear  intonation,  he  said,  calmly  surveying  the 
king  and  his  lords,  and  keeping  them,  as  a wise  ora- 
tor always  will,  full  in  his  eye,  so  that  they  at  once 
felt  his  look,  and  he  observed  their  emotions: 

“By  the  especial  grace  of  your  highness  I am  ac- 
corded an  opportunity  such  as  has  been  rarely  pre- 
sented to  a student  of  society,  and  least  of  all  to  an 
individual  of  my  own  nation.  To  the  kingly  solici- 
tude of  your  highness,  to  the  human  laws  and  con- 
stitution of  Hungary,  especially  those  that  form  the 
main  structure  of  its  jurisprudence,  and  to  the  cour- 
tesy accorded  to  my  friendly  mission  I must  attrib- 
ute this  great  opportunity. 

“At  this  epoch  I observe  two  conflicting  tendencies 
in  the  progress  of  European  nations.  One  of  these 
is  of  a twofold  character,  and  is  composed  in  part  of 
the  active  efforts  of  my  own  people  in  furtherance  of 
their  ancient  mercantile  proclivities  and  habits,  and 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


207 


in  part  of  the  struggles  of  very  numerous  and  zealous 
advocates  of  a larger  search  into  the  ethics  of  hu- 
man opinion,  and  the  free  range  of  human  thought, 
than  has  been  customary,  or  formally  approved  in 
recent  years. 

“Earnest  men  and  conservative  rulers  have  ex- 
tended the  supposed  sphere  of  their  authority  to  the 
restraint  of  intellectual  aspiration  and  the  suppres- 
sion of  metaphysical  effort  after  the  transcendent  and 
the  holy  in  the  relations  between  man  and  his  Maker. 
Very  strenuous  efforts  both  of  power  and  of  rhetoric 
have  been  legitimized  to  restrain  the  evolving  elas- 
ticity of  mental  effort,  that  springs,  of  necessity,  from 
conformation  and  from  temperament  such  as  God 
has  bestowed  on  each  human  mind,  and  to  restrict 
the  limits  of  thought  within  the  enshackled  range  of 
fixed  prescription  and  a priori  decree.  In  harmony 
with  this  effort  for  a wider  mental  life,  and  a more 
naturally  emotional  expression  of  religious  feeling, 
tending  and  leading  to  a more  expanding  experience 
in  the  apprehension  of  human  opportunities  in  every 
domain  of  mind,  of  morals,  and  of  mercantile  indus- 
try, has  been  exhibited  the  peculiar,  albeit  not  nat- 
urally peculiar,  taste  and  skill  of  my  own  people  in 
those  departments  that  are  most  intimately  associ- 
ated with  the  accumulation  of  wealth,  the  laws  and 
customary  principles  that  control  mercantile  re- 
lations, and  the  dexterous  or  in  the  apprehension  of 
some,  the  magical  knowledge  of  computation  and  of 
exchange  that  enable  ordinary  comparison  to  perfect 
its  combinations.  The  Hebrews  are  the  bankers,  the 


208 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


merchants, the  physicians, the  students  of  the  laws  of 
life,  of  exchange,  and  of  those  productions  that  dis- 
tinguish one  country  and  are  needed  in  another. 
These  two  departments  combine  in  producing  a so- 
•cial  tendency  towards  an  enlargement  of  social  and 
industrial  ideas,  and  a more  strict  adaptation  of 
means  to  ends  such  as  distinguishes  the  highest 
intelligence. 

“On  the  other  hand,  I am  pained  to  observe  not 
only  a tendency  but  a fixed  system  of  placing  restraint 
on  the  cultivation  of  the  mind. 

In  many  localities  even  the  elementary  schools  are 
closed;  and  men  are  left  to  pursue,  as  best  they 
may,  an  unenlightened  search  even  for  the  most  com- 
mon means  of  sustaining  life  and  its  duties.  Since 
Duke  Conrad,  fifty-four  years  ago,  totally  destroyed 
all  the  schools  in  the  Hessian  territory  established 
by  an  earnest  brotherhood,  and  the  entire  village 
of  Weilandsdorf ; since  forty-one  schools  in  the  district 
of  Passau  were  annihilated  at  the  same  period,  to 
the  present  hour,  omitting  a multitude  of  similar  in- 
stances in  every  country  in  Europe,  and  conspicu- 
ously and  overwhelmingly  in  Spain  and  France, 
the  antagonistic  current  of  repression  of  educational 
effort  has  encountered  the  opposite  tendency  I have 
described.  In  the  midst  of  this  chaos  of  public  in- 
struction, in  this  confusion  of  thought  on  mercantile 
relations,  in  this  grievous  ignorance  of  facts  and  prin- 
ciples, the  Jew  cultivates  his  calculations, and  details 
of  comparison  and  of  opportunity;  he  estimates  val- 
ues; he  studies  contracts  and  the  intricacies  of  legal 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


209 


obligation.  By  these  methods  he  introduces  into  his 
negotiations  an  accuracy  of  estimate  and  of  legal 
principle  that  his  more  confused  and  ignorant  Chris- 
tian competitor  cannot  even  comprehend.  He  as- 
serts a legal  contract,  and  he  is  answered  with  a 
prayer  to  heaven;  he  insists  on  his  recompense  for 
his  money,  and  he  hears  an  appeal  to  catechism;  he 
relies  on  business  exactitude,  and  he  confronts  an 
ejaculation  to  a saint.  The  Christian  is  of  purpose 
left  in  his  ignorance  that  his  imagination  may  be  in- 
flated. He  trusts  to  heavenly  intervention  when  the 
Jew  trusts  to  his  mortgage;  and  when  the  mortgage 
presses  hard,  the  Christian  accuses  the  Jew  of  in- 
timacy with  Satan.  In  this  hour  magic  means  mer- 
cantile knowledge,  legal  strictness,  skill  in  language 
and  precision  of  formalities.  While  the  Christian 
at  once  alarms  and  incapacitates  himself  by  brooding 
over  the  fictitious  terrors  of  the  unseen  world,  and 
blends  his  intellect  with  his  imagination,  so  that 
every  event,  and  every  detail  of  each  is  attributed 
to  some  angelic  or  Satanic  agency,  and  means  to  ends 
are  totally  neglected,  the  Jew  studies  interest  and 
discount,  he  frames  sales  and  purchases  in  strictly 
legal  phraseology,  he  studies  legal  positions,  and  the 
intricacies  of  judicial  wile;  and  as  an  imagination, 
however  fervid,  cannot  dream  away  a mortmain,  or 
dull  the  edge  of  a legal  maxim,  the  Christian  finds 
himself  confronted  with  perplexities  that  his  ignor- 
ance and  his  chagrin  attribute  to  the  venom  of  sor- 
cery, and  the  magic  diablery  of  the  great  fiend.  I 
fearlessly  assert  that  priests  and  doctors  will  not  per- 


^10 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


mit  Christians  to  be  the  equals  of  Jews  in  commer- 
cial knowledge  or  skill.  I affirm  my  belief,  with 
equal  fearlessness,  that  this  inequality  will  con- 
tinue, and  my  nation  will  suffer  in  Hungary, 
and  in  Poland  and  Russia,  until  Christians  shall 
acquire  for  themselves  that  knowledge  of  legal 
detail,  and  the  internal  mechanism  of  financial 
order  that  shall  enable  them  to  cope  with  Jews 
on  an  equality  So  soon  as  the  Russian  shall  ex- 
change accurate  knowledge  for  vodki;  and  the  Pole 
shall  substitute  the  growing  tendency  in  his  nation, 
which  I observe  is  now  beginning,  to  dream  of  tute- 
lary supernaturalism, for  the  study  of  the  natural  facts 
that  beneficent  nature  presents  everywhere,  we  shall 
find  the  Jews  have  a harder  struggle  to  reach  wealth 
than  they  now  encounter. 

‘‘No  Jew  ever  dreams  of  staring  at  a picture  in  or- 
der to  cure  an  ulcer;  or  applies  to  dry  bones,  whether 
of  skull  or  hand,  to  remove  a*  mortgage  bond  from  his 
farm.  Let  the  nations  study  to  apply  remedies  that 
are  suited  to  the  occasion;  and  mankind  shall  then 
be  in  line  to  act  in  co-operation  with  the  processes 
of  nature, of  which  our  constitution  forms  the  culmi- 
nating part.  When  men  shall  learn  thus  to  place 
themselves  side  by  side  in  the  common  obedience  to 
natural  laws,  and  shall  instruct  themselves  in  the 
qualities  of  objects  in  food,  medicinal  plants,  light, 
air,  water  and  the  effects  of  natural  processes,  then 
shall  the  Jew  and  the  Christian  live  in  harmony  to- 
gether; and  the  government  of  states  shall  be  but  the 
clerical  procedure  to  administer  their  organized  au- 


MARRIAGE  EMBASSY  TO  HUNGARY 


211 


thority.  Then  shall  the  king  be  not  at  once  the  tor- 
mentor and  the  slave  of  his  people,  but  as  the  hon- 
ored receptoriurn  of  the  wisdom  and  virtue  of  his 
age.” 

Solomon  well  knew  during  this  address,  that  the 
king’s  afflicting  ailment  required  alleviation  such  as 
he  only  could  supply  He  knew  that  the  virulence  of 
the  Sarcoptes  Scabiei  must  compel  respectful  atten- 
tion to  his  philosophy,  and  that  the  king  and  his 
nobles  endured  tortures  from  the  truculent  prohibition 
of  that  medical  science  which  an  inhuman  fanaticism 
had  forbidden  alike  the  priest  and  the  layman  to 
acquire.* 

Solomon  also  was  fully  known  to  have  received  the 
commission  to  investigate  the  perfect  health  of  the 
princess  Judith,  and  her  absolute  exemption  from  the 
least  symptom  of  that  prevailing  contagion,  that  for 
centuries  before  and  after  this  period  formed  the 
dreadful  domestic  penalty  inflicted  by  superstitious 
barbarism; 

* See  Councils  of  Rheims,  1131;  of  Lateran,  1139:  of  Tours,  1163; 
Labbe  Cone.  t.  X.  pp.  984,  itoi.  1421;  Bulls  of  Alexander  and 
of  Honorius  III.,  du  Boulay,  Hist.  Univ.  t.  TIT.  p.  96.  Martene 
Thes.  Nov.  Anec.  t.  IV.  pp.  1769,  1819,  1943.  Hist.  Litt.  t.  XVI. 
P-  99. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


SUPERSTITION  AND  TREACHERY  IN  THE  PALACE. 

‘‘Ah,  altissima  carissima,’^  exclaimed  Teresa  as 
Queen  Judith  questioned  her  about  fate  and  fortune, 
“you  may  well  believe  there  are  mysteries  in  stars^ 
and  in  the  spirits  too.^’ 

“Yes,”  replied  Judith,  “but  at  this  moment  I want 
to  know  what  your  secret  observations  portend.” 

“Times  when  he  did  not  expect  me  I have  hid  in 
the  fen  where  imp  lanterns  do  dance,  and  where 
restless  ghosts  in  awful  shape  do  move  at  dusk;  and 
as  the  Jew  kindled  his  magic  brazier  and  the  fumes 
of  hemlock  rose,  I could  perceive, as  my  senses  reeled, 
the  terrible  shapes  of  scowling  fiends  roll  and  tum- 
ble, and  mingle  in  one  monstrous  form,  and  then 
separate  again  with  worse  shape  than  before;  and  as 
the  smallage  sent  out  its  savory  steam,  new  figures 
again  arose  and  danced  before  me;  and  all  these  were 
men  fiends  terrible  and  dark;  but  when  the  Jew  ap- 
plied his  violet  roots  with  St,  John’s  wort,  and  mint, 
and  their  sweet  incense  arose  upon  the  moist  air, 
and  valley  steam,  I saw  the  woman  imps  dance 
around  and  smirk  upon  their  partner  imps,  and  all 
obeyed  the  nod  of  the  magician  Jew  who  controlled 
them  with  his  incantations.  And  as  he  threw  into 
his  flaming  brazier  the  mummy  dust  from  the  dark 


SUPERSTITION  AND  TREACHERY  IN  THE  PALACE  213 


tombs  of  Egypt  the  ancient  dead  appeared  at  his 
call;  and  by  magic  sign  learned  the  mysteries  of  life 
and  death/’ 

‘‘Did  you  hear  any  especial  inquiry  affecting  me/’ 
asked  Judith,  deeply  aroused  and  eager. 

“Only  dark  allusions  to  a lace  veil  steeped  in  hem- 
lock and  nightshade  juice,”  replied  Teresa,  “and  as  I 
looked  I saw  Zawis  himself  in  vision  receive  it  from 
the  ghost  hands  of  the  spirits  the  Jew  had  called  up. 
But  it  is  not  yet  completed,  and  Zawis  smiled  at  the 
splendid  work,  and  the  Jew  vowed  abundant  incense 
to  those  that  held  it  in  their  bony  fingers.  And  on 
it  were  leaves  as  of  the  forest  shrubs,  and  blossoms 
half  concealed  by  mist  and  steam;  and  all  seemed 
like  a picture  of  fairy  work, so  perfect  did  the  sprays 
and  growing  leaves  appear.” 

“Truly  a strange  gift  from  the  spirits  of  darkness 
and  of  mist  to  a man!”  interposed  Judith. 

“Nay,  altissima,”  observed  Teresa,  dropping  her 
voice  to  a whisper,  “it  is  a purposed  gift  to  his 
young  wife  to  wear  at  the  baptism  that  may  be.  It 
will  preserve  from  the  malignant  power  of  other  imps 
not  controlled  by  the  Jew;  for  you  know,  altissima, 
all  the  spirits  obey  not  one  master.” 

“Think  you  the  gift  will  be  beneficent  when  it 
comes.^”  inquired  Judith. 

“Not  if  the  spirits  are  offended,  or  overpowered 
by  other  spirits,”  answered  Teresa.  “In  such  case 
the  stronger  will  prevail;  and  if  Zawis  finds  his  magic 
sorceries  displeasing,  he  will  confer  the  accursed  gift 
on  some  enemy  he  is  anxious  to  destroy.” 


214  SUPERSTITION  AND  TREACHERY  IN  THE  PALACE 

“Did  you  obey  my  comijpands  in  reference  to  the 
parchment?’’  asked  Judith. 

“In  my  excessive  haste,”  answered  Teresa,  “I  tore 
off  the  signature;  but  as  this  woman  Agaphia  ap- 
proached I hurriedly  concealed  the  parchment  in  the 
strong  chest,  of  which  I keep  the  golden  key.  It 
was  Otakar’s  own  secret  repository;  and  the  key  was 
taken  from  his  body.  It  is  all  secure  as  the  other 
documents;  and  I can  produce  them  or  not  as  may  be 
necessary  for  safety.”  The  last  ambiguous  words  in 
an  undertone  did  not  at  the  moment  convey  their 
full  significance  to  the  queen.  Judith  little  suspected 
that  her  trusted  confidant  was  in  reality  her  tyrant. 
Little  also  did  Zawis  and  his  young  wife  suspect  of 
the  dreadful  plot  thus  fiendishly  planned  for  his  de- 
struction. 

Having  dismissed  her  artful  espion  who  had  worked 
herself  into  the  favor  of  the  queen  by  touching  those 
peculiar  traits  that  Judith  exhibited,  and  stimulating 
a tendency  of  fancy  that  Judith  encouraged  in  her 
married  days  in  continuance  of  the  weird  fictions  re- 
lated to  her  in  her  childhood,  the  queen  requested 
that  the  duke  Nicolas  might  be  introduced. 

“I  know  of  no  method,  highness,”  replied  the  duke 
of  Troppau,  “whereby  his  individual  apprehension 
may  be  secured.  His  marriage  alliance  with  the 
royal  house  of  Hungary,  his  strength  in  fortresses 
and  in  allies,  his  numerous  and  attached  adherents, 
and  his  personal  caution,  render  any  attempt  at  open 
assault  extremely  hazardous.  I fear  also  that  the 
grant  of  the  fifty  thousand  marks  from  King  Otakar 


SUPERSTITION  AND  TREACHERY  IN  THE  PALACE  215 


may  be  proved  well  founded.  In  such  case  we  have 
no  sufficient  grounds  for  accusation.” 

“I  am  informed,”  replied  Judith,  ‘‘that  the  deed  of 
gift,  if  it  ever  took  effect  at  all,  was  destroyed,  pre- 
sumably by  the  king  himself. 

“There  are  statements  to  that  effect;  and  in  such 
case  the  claim  that  this  sum  of  fifty  thousand  marks 
2ver  legally  belonged  to  the  queen,  or  is  now  legally 
the  property  of  the  queen’s  son,  must  prove  unfound- 
ed. If  only  a document  should  exist  unsigned,  or 
mutilated  apparently  by  the  king,  then  the  treasury 
has  been  defrauded.” 

“I  should  apprehend  extremely  pernicious  conse- 
quences from  the  production  or  the  existence  of  any 
such  document,”  replied  Nicolas.  “The  King,  my 
father,  was  circumspect,  and  never  mutilated  any 
document  to  which  he  attached  his  sign  manual. 
I cannot  accept  any  such  theory.  I feel  compelled 
to  consider  the  appropriation  of  the  money  in  ques- 
tion as  direct  theft,  for  which  the  law  imposes  the 
severest  penalty.  Unless  Zawis  can  produce  the 
official  authority  for  the  retention  of  this  money,  he 
must  suffer  the  doom  of  a traitor.” 

“Perhaps  careful  search — ” interposed  Judith,  be- 
coming alarmed. 

“I  cannot  undertake  such  duty,”  quickly  rejoined 
Nicolas.  “I  believe  Zawis  to  be  guilty  from  what  I 
know  of  the  man’s  character,  and  from  the  feelings  I 
enfertain  that  must  have  been  infused  into  my  being 
by  the  intervention  of  some  cf  those  unseen  powers 
that  surround,  touch,  and  pour  into  our  minds  those 


216  SUPERSTITION  AND  TREACHERY  IN  THE  PALACE 

sentiments  and  impressions  that  indicate  facts  and 
dangers  whereof  by  ordinary  senses  we  must  be  un- 
conscious.” 

“I  know  that  divines  and  doctors  attribute  such 
strange  impressions  to  those  sources,”  interposed  Ju- 
dith; “and  there  are  also  malignant  influences  exer- 
cised against  us  by  sorcerers  and  the  secret  servants 
of  demons.  I am  admonished  of  such  being  in  oper- 
ation at  present;  but  I trust  to  the  effect  of  more 
powerful  appeals  to  the  other  spirits  that  are  higher 
in  rank  and  dignity.  I feel  some  mysterious  sen- 
sations chasing  each  other  through  my  senses,  and 
I would  seek  the  counsel  of  Brother  Tertius.  My 
confessor  will  interpose  to  allay  my  apprehension 
when  his  next  stated  visit  is  concluded.” 

Brother  Tertius  found  the  young  queen  exceedingly 
nervous.  “I  divine,”  he  said,  “that  some  evil  in- 
fluence has  been  at  work.  Some  divination  or  sor- 
cery has  made  your  highness  its  victim.” 

“I  feel  a creeping  through  my  bones,”  said  Judith, 
“a  coldness,  and  a chill  that  makes  me  tremble. 
Some  powerful  incantation  has  been  practiced,  for 
my  limbs  shake,  and  every  third  hour  I am  thus 
affected.  I am  cold;  I shiver;  and  again  I am  hot 
and  I tremble.  I feel  as  if  some  unseen  power 
pulled  all  my  limbs;  and  I grind  my  teeth  as  if  I 
wished  to  bite.” 

“Some  terrible  sorcerer  has  been  at  work,”  re- 
marked Brother  Tertius, 

“Last  evening,”  said  Judith, “as  I sat  taking  the  air, 

1 felt  a delightful,  cool,  and  dew-laden  blast  come  from 


SUPERSTITION  A TREACHERY  IN  THE  PALACE  217 


the  marsh;  and  I sat  and  enjoyed  it  without  mantle 
or  other  protection.  I now  fear  that  some  magician 
has  infused  his  malicious  arts  into  the  breeze  and 
sent  them  hither  to  bewitch  me.” 

“And  it  is  in  the  swamps  that  spirits  do  arise  and 
congregate,  and  perform  their  demoniacal  orgies,” 
said  Tertius  eagerly.  “Here  they  dance  their  sab- 
bazia  dance,  and  hold  their  satanic  revels;  here  they 
erect  their  throne  with  a baboon-faced  monster  for 
king  of  the  feast,  and  with  other  shameful  exhibi- 
tions; and  here  they  burn  their  magical  compounds; 
from  here  they  transmit  their  poison  vapors  that  roll 
along  with  fiendish  shapes;  and  here  they  burn  the 
image  of  the  victim  of  their  diabolism;  here  they  wor- 
ship Hecate,  until  drunk  with  fury  "and  debauchery 
they  hide  themselves  in  thickets  until  the  Aurora 
expels  them  with  its  dawning.” 

“I  have  heard  of  these  ‘Sabbata, ’”  replied  Judith. 

“And  it  is  these  that  Zawis  and  his  crew  have  har- 
bored and  encouraged,”  replied  Tertius.  “Long  has 
the  church  condemned  these  revelings  of  Satan,  and 
proscribed  them.  Jews  and  sorcerers  have  diffused 
this  worst  of  all  heresy,  until  now  it  has  penetrated 
even  our  palace,  and  made  your  highness  its  victim.” 

“We  must  counteract  sorcery  with  sorcery,”  inter- 
posed Nicolas.  “I  believe  I know  a skillful  prac- 
titioner in  antidotes;  and  I will  take  steps  to  secure 
your  highness*  apartments  from  the  assaults  of  such 
witchery,  so  soon  as  magister  Tertius  shall  have  con- 
cluded the  exercise  that  is  prescribed.” 

“I  am  informed,”  said  Judith,  “of  an  intended  gift 


218  SUPERSTITION  AND  TREACHERY  IN  THE  PALACE 

to  me  from  Zawis  himself;  of  fine  texture,  artful  de- 
sign, and  artistic  workmanship.  I fear  some  evil 
purpose  lurks  beneath  it.^^ 

“Beware,  highness,  of  the  beauty  that  bewilders,” 
said  Tertius.  “The  powers  of  Satan  are  guileful;  and 
he  knows  how  to  add  splendor  to  material,  and  adorn- 
ment to  handicraft  in  order  the  better  to  entice  the 
faithful.  He  endows  the  hand  with  unnatural  skill, 
and  guides  the  fingers  to  exquisite  manipulation. ^ He 
adorns  his  gifts  with  beauty  to  charm  the  eye,  and 
costliness  to  win  appreciation,  He  emblazons  art 
upon  the  walls  of  the  unbelievers;  and  decorates  the 
chambers  of  the  infidel  with  the  wonders  that  entice 
the  taste.  He  decks  the  heads  of  heretics  with  jewels, 
and  replenishes  the  coffers  of  the  Jew  with  wealth.  He 
fills  the  unholy  souls  of  scoffers  with  the  knowledge 
of  stars,  and  lays  open  the  mysteries  of  planets  to 
their  research.  He  unlocks  the  complications  of 
disease  to  their  inquiries,  and  even  fills  their  lips 
with  the  words  that  utter  charity  and  wisdom.  He 
makes  them  prosperous,  and  renowned,  and  honored 
by  kings  and  cities,  in  order  that  he  may  the  more 
effectually  entice  souls  into  his  satanic  kingdom  by 
their  means,  and  extend  the  dominion  of  hades. 
Satan  spreads  the  witchery  of  these  temptations  be- 
fore the  eyes,  the  tastes,  the  intellect,  the  comfort, 
and  the  household  sensibilities  of  men  in  order  that 
he  may  employ  all  methods  to  destroy  faith  and  ren- 
der souls  his  slaves  forever. 

“Better  a thousand  times  poverty,  pain,  suffering, 
want,  self-chastisement  and  all  evils  on  this  earth. 


SUPERSTITION  AND  TREACHERY  IN  THE  PALACE  219 


in  order  that  souls  may  go  untainted  by  these  seduc- 
tions into  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  I would  rather 
see  a wilderness  occupied  by  wolves  and  snakes, 
than  a prosperous  and  happy  people  under  the  de- 
lusions of  Satan’s  joys.” 

Nicolas  had  inherited  some  of  his  father’s  love  of 
splendor  and  of  dignity,  and  desired  that  his  dukedom 
should  furnish  as  much  of  both  as  possible.  The 
ambition  of  Brother  Tertius  to  create  a wilderness  for 
wolves  and  snakes  did  not  suit  his  taste;  and  he  there 
fore  asked:  “How  does  your  reverence  reconcile  your 
principles  with  the  love  of  gain,  luxury,  splendor, 
and  dominion  of  the  brethren  who  have  rendered  the 
holy  monastery  of  the  ‘Thorn  Crov/n,’  established 
by  my  father,  a center  of  wealth  and  power  such  as 
few  houses  in  Bohemia  or  elsewhere  can  boast  of.^^ 
How  do  you  know  that  Satan  is  not  now  tempting 
the  cowled  brethren  to  that  mode  of  life  that  leads 
to  destruction 

Brother  Tertius  would  not  surrender  his  position. 

“I  fear  that  many  if  not  all  of  those  houses  of  the 
regular  clergy,”  he  replied, “are  becoming  or  have  be- 
come already  the  nurseries  of  vice,  and  that  Satan 
reigns  there  under  the  power  of  the  very  seductions 
I have  described.”  The  conversation  had  developed 
into  an  unexpected  and  unwelcome  direction,  and 
Brother  Tertius  and  Nicolas  retired. 

The  guard,  in  slight  self-forgetfulness,  hummed  a 
song,  and  at  length  broke  forth  in  an  undertone. 

“Sing  tra  la  la,  boys,  sing; 

To-morrow  to  the  winds  let  us  fling; 


220  SUPERSTITION  AND  TREACHERY  IN  THE  PALACE 

And  our  hearts  be  ever  gay; 

While  fools  toil  we  tramp  away ; 

And  gold  and  luck  will  bring  us  everything.” 

‘‘Do  you  want  more  May  bliss?”  slyly  suggested 
Agaphia  close  by.  “I  recognize  you  now  by  the 
song.” 

“Ho!  was  it  you?”  exclaimed  the  guard. 

“If  you  are  good  you  may  have  some,”  answered 
Agaphia;  “but  you  must  earn  your ‘bliss’  before  you 
get  it.” 

“Even  so,”  replied  the  guard.  “I  accept  the  con- 
ditions. Come  now,  don’t  be  too  severe.” 

“Very  well,”  replied  Agaphia.  “Some  things  I want 
to  recover  have  been  picked  up  and  locked  in  the 
strong  chest;  you  can  borrow  the  key  from  the  veiled 
woman.” 

“You  impose  a hard  task,”  responded  the  guard; 
“she  always  carries  the  key  by  a chain  around  her 
neck.  If  such  be  your  terms  I fear  I shall  lack  May 
bliss.” 

“You  shall  have  some  anyway,”  answered  Agaphia, 
handing  him  a small  portion. 

“Well,”  he  said,  “good  will  is  better  even  than  May 
bliss;  and  if  chance  serves  me  to  secure  the  key  for  a 
short  moment,  you  shall  have  it.” 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

A TREACHEROUS  INVITATION  AND  A PRISON. 

A merry  peal  rang  out  at  Fiirstenberg, proclaiming 
another  joy  added  to  the  many  that  blessed  the 
happy  and  dignified  household  of  the  castle.  Swift 
messengers  conveyed  the  tidings;  and  in  a few  hours 
other  answering  peals  from  tower  and  burg  pro- 
claimed the  congratulations  of  fortress  and  village. 
Cottagers  and  humble  burghers  came,  and  in  simple 
speech  expressed  the  honest  felicitations  of  the  com- 
munities around.  Many  flagons  of  beer  were  emptied; 
and  would-be  topers  lingered  to  resume  with  fresh 
arrivals  the  opportunity  of  again  wishing  prosperity, 
and  more  of  it,  to  the  lady  and  the  young  lord.  A 
prosperous  and  peaceful  peasantry,  and  several  more 
pretentious  knights  an  1 vladykas  all  felt  a common 
interest,  and  a fraternal  union  in  the  baronial  hall  ; 
and  its  joys  spread  through  every  home  as  from  a 
common  heart.  Zawis  naturally  displayed  that  facile 
and  friendly  air,  and  self-possessed  cordiality,  that 
enabled  him  to  consort  on  most  companionable  terms 
with  all  his  retainers.  Every  girl  and  boy  on  his 
estates  knew^  him,  and  had  a smile  and  greeting; 
and  the  lord  on  his  side  knew  every  family  grief, 
and  shared  it;  and  a present  from  the  castle  always 
welcojned  every  new  baby  aspirant  to  the  honors  of 
the  general  company.  The  peculiar  dreamy  emo- 
tionalism of  the  Moravian  peasantry  lent  a special 
tinge  of  sentiment  to  the  fraternalism  that  prevailed. 

221 


^22  A TREACHEROUS  INyiTATION  AND  A PRISON 


The  tendency  ran  towards  spiritualistic  communism, 
but  at  this  time  more  from  feeling  than  definitely  ex- 
pressed principle.  A gay  throng  filled  the  castle, 
where  all  were  welcome;  and  the  dance  and  the  song, 
and  the  wine  cup  spread  and  expressed  the  universal 
tribute  of  felicitation.  Messages  from  surrounding 
magnates  arrived;  and  among  others  after  a day  or 
two,  came  one  with  much  ceremony  from  the  palace 
at  Prague.  Wenzel  expressed  his  own  and  the 
queen’s  hearty  congratulations.  Zawis  in  reply  dis- 
patched a special  embassy  most  respectfully  inviting 
the  king  and  queen  to  Fiirstenberg  on  the  occasion  of 
the  baptism  of  his  son.  Zawis  and  the  Lady  Judith 
also  ordered  the  preparation  of  costly  presents,  some 
of  which  should  consist  of  Judith’s  own  handiwork, 
manufactured  from  the  finest  materials  imported  from 
Spain  and  patterned  after  the  extremely  delicate 
textile  fabrics  and  intricate  patterns  still  produced 
by  the  Arab  lace-weavers  of  the  peninsula.  These 
exquisite  productions  rivaled  the  most  filmy  material, 
and  the  most  complicated  and  yet  regular  figurings 
of  the  Chinese  silks,  or  the  brilliant  complications  of 
the  subtle  intellect  of  Hindostan. 

The  glorious  supremacy  of  Bohemia  over  the  In- 
dian traffic  through  Hungary,  between  1262  and 
1276,  by  way  of  the  Adriatic,  had  furnished  many 
splendid  samples  of  these  fabrics  to  the  baronial 
palaces;  and  one  of  the  most  grievous  injurres  to 
Bohemia  committed  by  the  Habsburgs  consisted  in 
the  annihilation  not  only  of  this  trade,  but  of  the 
manufactures  that  it  introduced  and  the  taste  that  it 
educated. 


A TREACHEROUS  INVITATION  AND  A PRISON  22^ 


The  receipt  of  the  invitation  created  a surprise, 
and  almost  an  alarm  at  Prague. 

Consultation  succeeded  consultation.  ‘‘If  we  ac- 
cept this  proposal,”  declared  the  queen,  “we  shall 
place  ourselves  in  his  power;  and  no  inducement 
could  persuade  me  to  do  that.  He  is  master  of 
mysterious  arts;  and  his  magician’s  skill  associates 
his  presence  with  evil  agencies.  I should  dread  to 
place  myself  within  the  immediate  neighborhood 
of  his  conjurations.” 

“His  wa^ls  are  strong,”  said  Nicolas,  “and  his 
power  is  formidable ; it  is  not  expedient  that  the  king 
should  submit  to  the  grace  of  a dangerous  conspirator 
and  usurper.  Zawis  holds  still  fifty  thousand  marks  of 
the  king’s  revenues;  and  control  of  the  king’s  per- 
son would  enable  him  to  obtain  a release  from  that 
■obligation,  besides  we  know  not  what  other  condi- 
tions. His  marriage  with  the  Queen  Kunigunde  arose 
from  an  attempt  to  seize  the  crown;  and  there  are 
persons  nearer  to  the  king  who  have  a better  right. 
Had  Queen  Margaret  continued  in  her  rightful  place, 
although  childless,  Bohemia  must  have  exercised  her 
elective  right  in  my  favor.  Kunigunde  displaced 
Queen  Margaret;  and  I shall  never  consent  that  the 
king  shall  honor  the  usurper  by  accepting  his  pre- 
sumptuous proposal.” 

“My  judgment  is,”  observed  bishop  Tobias, “that  it 
is  for  the  king’s  highness  to  command,  and  for  his 
subjects  to  obey  without  hesitation.  The  king  is 
the  fountain  of  power,  even  as  he  is  instructed  and 
guided  by  the  church  to  exercise  it.  Should  the 


224  A TREACHEROUS  INVITATION  AND  A PRISON 


king  graciously  present  himself  at  the  lordly  hall  of 
an  arrogant  baron  it  must  be  of  special  favor  con- 
ferred on  an  applicant  in  person.  Let  the  king’s 
grace  summon  this  suspected  man  before  his  pres- 
ence; and  if  the  king  should  then  decide  that  justice 
requires  an  acknowledgment  of  errors,  or  a penalty 
for  misdeeds,  the  king’s  hand  can  arrest  the  criminal 
where  he  expects  no  displeasure,  and  is  not  prepared 
for  resistance.  Let  this  man  be  cautiously  requested 
to  present  his  invitation  in  person  at  the  king’s 
court;  and  the  royal  wisdom  can  then  discharge  its 
duties.” 

This  peremptory  proposal  gratified  the  assembly, 
who  -had  long  meditated  the  seizure  of  Zawis,  but  had 
failed  to  devise  an  opportunity  by  arranging  a suit- 
able enticement  to  him  to  abandon  the  safe  precincts 
of  his  fortress. 

Zawis  received  the  counter-invitation  without  mis- 
giving. “I  am  apprehensive,  dear,”  observed  the 
Lady  Judith.  ‘‘I  felt  a thrill  as  of  presentiment  when 
the  message  was  announced.  A veiled  lady  comes 
and  goes,  and  I observe  that  she  is  regarded  with 
side  glances.  Her  half-religious  costume  and  her 
veil  prevent  inquiry  as  to  her  purposes.  I appre- 
hend some  ill  if  you  should  place  yourself  beyond  the 
power  of  your  own  defenders.” 

“I  thank  you  for  j^ou  solicitude*  my  dear,”  replied 
Zawis.  “Your  personal  regard  suggests  these  fears. 
I have  received  the  king’s  formal  invitation  by  royal 
messenger;  and  I cannot  even  suspect  the  young 
sovereign  of  Bohemia  dl  aught  but  friendly  motives. 


A TREACHEROUS  INVITATION  AND  A PRISON  225 


I have  always  received  from  the  king  generous  marks 
of  respect  and  confidence;  and  I cannot  feel  at  liberty 
to  attribute  to  his  highness  any  motive  but  those  of 
kingly  honor.  Though  I am  not  impressed  with  much 
respect  for  some  of  his  councilors;  yet  a Premysl  has 
never  disgraced  his  knightly  word,  however  he  may 
have  yielded  to  the  sudden  impulse  of  harsh  feeling. 

1 cannot  believe  my  king  to  be  a conspirator.’^ 

As  Zawis  prepared  for  his  journey  a gloom  settled 
on  his  abode. 

Men  and  women  whispered,  and  looked  aghast. 
An  undefined  alarm  created  a mysterious  silence;  as 
if  the  humble  minds  of  the  household,  accustomed  to 
observe  the  symptoms  of  deceit,  and  less  moved  by 
a lofty  sense  of  chivalry  in  presence  of  suspicious 
movemen  ts,  had  interpreted  significant  signs  and 
rumors  with  a sense  more  keen,  and  a judgment 
more  natural  than  the  highminded  nobleman  himself 
would  or  could  have  interpreted  the  same  symptoms. 

At  the  king’s  court  Zawis  presented  himself  with 
cheerful  confidence.  As  his  errand  required  very 
brief  sojourn, he  requested  an  audience  of  the  queen; 
and  was  immediately  presented.  The  queen,  sur- 
rounded by  her  confessor,  Nicolas,  her  ladies,  with 
Agaphia  in  attendance  also,  regarded  Zawis  with  rigid 
apprehension  and  suspicion.  To  his  obeisance  she 
scarcely  inclined  even  her  eyes. 

“According  to  his  majest3^’s  command,”  he  said,  “I 
have  come  to  solicit  the  honor  of  the  king’s  presence 
at  Furstenberg,on  the  occasion  of  the  baptism  of  my 
son.  The  lady  Judith  will  feel  honored  and  grati- 


226  A TREACHEROUS  INVITATION  AND  A PRISON 

fied  at  being  able  to  testify  to  your  highness  in  per- 
son her  appreciation  of  your  gracious  presence,  and 
her  fidelity  to  your  royal  eminence.  With  profound 
respect  we  join  in  soliciting  the  presence  of  our 
sovereign  and  his  consort.” 

Having  concluded  this  address, Zawis  then  unrolled 
a long,  delicate  and  most  elaborate  lace  veil  of  ex- 
quisite beauty  of  material  and  of  texture.  Presenting 
it  most  cordially  to  the  queen,  Zawis  said:  “We 
respectfully  tender  to  your  highness  a testimonial  of 
our  homage  and  esteem,  and  of  our  duty  to  our 
prince  and  his  consort.” 

Judith  shrank  from  the  splendid  gift  with  horror^ 
exclaiming,  “Touch  me  not  with  the  accursed  token 
of  your  magic  and  your  sorcery.  Let  some  attend- 
ant thrust  the  Satanic  device  with  rude  weapon  into 
the  flames.”  Instantly  two  guards  with  their  axe 
pikes  plucked  the  beautiful  present  from  the  hands 
of  the  amazed  donor,  and  with  many  thrusts  and 
stabs  tearing  it  into  sections  forced  the  friendly  offer- 
ing into  the  burning  brazier.  Instantly  the  queen  and 
her  attendants  retired;  and  nine  stalwart  guards 
seized  the  indignant  Zawis  and  attempted  to  pinion 
his  arms.  Long  and  desperately  did  the  gallant 
knight  struggle  with  his  captors. 

Three  fell  dead  before  his  blows,  two  more  lay 
wounded;  but  overborne  by  numbers,  and  fainting 
with  loss  of  blood,  at  last  the  confiding  victim  found 
himself  heavily  manacled  and  a close  captive  in  a 
dungeon  in  the  White  Tower  of  the  Burgate. 

A long  swoon  caused  by  excessive  bleeding  relieved 


A TREACHEROUS  INVITATION  AND  A PRISON  227 


the  prisoner  from  the  fever  of  indignation  that  must 
otherwise  have  consumed  and  maddened  him.  Only 
with  slowly  returning  life  did  memory  and  reflection 
reappear;  and,  as  consciousness  revived  but  dimly 
for  a time,  the  strong  man  was  spared  the  mocking 
torture  of  self-reproach  for  his  own  manly  trustful- 
ness. 

Quiet  resignation,  and  dignified  acceptance  of  the 
fate  now  expected  exhibited  the  knightly  courage  of 
the  prisoner.  Through  the  intervention  of  Agaphia, 
Nicolas  Jaroslav,  still  immured  in  the  same  prison, 
became  aware  of  the  neighborhood  of  the  illustrious 
captive.  By  appeals  to  those  lurking  sentiments  of 
humanity  which  even  jailers  seldom  wholly  lose, 
Nicolas  contrived  to  communicate  his  presence  and 
some  details  of  information  concerning  the  cause  of 
their  common  sufferings. 

Even  the  guards  learned,  as  they  generally  do,  to 
estimate  the  coarse  injustice  exhibited  in  the  case 
of  these  two  prisoners;  and  a kind  word  and  a re- 
spectful tone  often  relieved  and  cheered  the  lonely 
hours  of  both  men.  Through  this  source  Zawis  ac- 
quired some  intimation  of  the  probable  manner  of 
the  abstraction  of  the  missing  record.  ‘‘I  know  my 
wife  and  children  are  safe,”  he  mused.  “Witek  and 
Drda,  and  good  old  Lord  Boppo,  if  he  survives, 
will  defend  my  fortresses  to  the  last.  Only  a brave 
example  of  the  undaunted  soul  that  integrity  can 
impart  becomes  me  now;  and  I know  1 shall  never 
shrink  from  a knight’s  full  duty,  whether  in  the  face 
of  the  declared  foe,  or  the  dark  conspirator.  I con- 


228  A TREACHEROUS  INVITATION  AND  A PRISON 


tend  as  truly  here  for  the  honor  of  my  rank  and  sol- 
dierhood  as  in  the  furious  onset,  the  deadly  camp, 
or  the  consuming  famine,  A soldier  must  expect 
all  of  these;  and  it  is  his  duty  to  confront  them  as 
he  may.  But  it  is  a new  experience  in  a knight’s 
education  when  he  is  required  to  stand  on  guard 
against  the  treachery  of  his  own  prince,  and  the 
deadly  advantage  taken  of  his  own  loyalty.  Brought 
up,  as  I have  been,  in  the  manly  school  of  the  Pre- 
mysls,  I feel  a flush  of  shame  at  the  dastard  spirit 
that  seems  to  reign  in  the  palace  of  a gallant  race. 
Assuredly  a new  school  of  honor,  of  policy,  and  of 
integrity  has  usurped  the  place  of  the  chivalry  of  the 
past.  Dark  deceit,  double-meaning  casuistry,  mental 
reservation,  cowardly  prevarication,  and  shameless 
falsehood  have  banished  the  candor,  the  ingenuous- 
ness, the  unswerving  courage,  and  perhaps  the  rash 
combativeness  of  the  past.  Never  has  the  palace  of 
the  Premysls  sunk  in  the  abyss  of  infamy  by  the 
deliberate  prostitution  of  sacred  hospitality  to  the 
malignant  purposes  of  studied  treachery,  until  a new 
race  and  an  alien  philosophy  has  perverted  the  soul 
of  the  prince  of  Bohemia.  The  new  dynasty  is 
being  built  up  in  evil,  and  must  encounter  the  inevi- 
table retribution  of  evil.” 

Calmed  by  these  reflections  and  cheered  by  his  sol- 
dierly acceptance  of  peril,  come  from  whence  it  might, 
Zawis  regained  his  composure;  and  if  his  enemies 
counted  on  darkness,  solitude,  and  the  violent  tran- 
sition from  honor  and  dignity  to  want  and  squalor,  to 
bend  his  spirit  to  confession  of  wrong-doing,  assuredly 


A TREACHEROUS  INVITATION  AND  A PRISON  229 


the  expectation  encountered  elements  far  above  its 
reach.  As  the  days  wore  on  Zawis  assumed  an  air  of 
placid  dignity. 

His  early  studies  filled  his  memory;  and  his  thoughts 
supplied  abundant  society  of  the  great  and  good  to 
people  his  cell  with  the  bright  presence  and  brilliant 
intellects  of  the  noble  and  the  wise.  Heroes  and 
philosophers,  saints  and  sages  lent  their  inspiration; 
and  Zawis  ascended  even  above  his  own  courage  by 
the  communings  of  the  soldier,  the  philosopher,  and 
the  investigator. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


WRATH  IN  HUNGARY.  LORD  BOPPO  AROUSED. 

Intelligence  of  these  proceedings  speedily  reached 
the  court  of  Hungary,  where  Solomon,  on  his  return 
from  escorting  the  Princess  Judith  to  Furstenberg, 
still  discharged  his  duties  as  chief  physician.  In 
short,  his  labors  were  neither  few  nor  light.  Not 
only  the  court  attendants,  but  a multitude  from  every 
quarter  sought  his  aid.  Diseases  concealed,  or  ig- 
norantly aggravated,  complaints  of  long  continuance 
now  grown  chronic,  the  results  of  dirt,  of  overcrowd- 
ing, of  bad  food; — tetanus,  St.  Anthony's  fire,  epi- 
lepsy, paralysis,  dropsy,  abscess,  rupture,  and  a thou- 
sand complications  of  scrofula;  deafness,  consump- 
tion, fistula,  and  even  club  feet,  rickets,  madness, 
with  various  degrees  of  each.  In  all  Hungary  not 
a hospital  existed.  People  in  their  misery  festered, 
and  died  in  loathsomeness  with  few  to  bury  them. 
But  not  a priest  or  layman  could  openly  profess  to 
understand  the  philosophy  of  the  human  body,  or 
did  understand  it  even  empirically.  The  custom 
had  been  recently  introduced  from  the  v/est  of  ap- 
plying to  some  holy  man  or  his  relics  for  special 
relief.  St.  Hubert  became  the  curer  of  madness; 
St.  Anthony,  of  ague  fever;  St.  Gerbola,  of  hem- 
orrhage; St  Eloi,  of  abscess;  St.  Fiacrius,  of  fistula; 

230 


1VRATH  IN  HUNGARY  LORD  BOPPO  AROUSED 


231 


St,  Matthew,  of  mania;  St.  Martin,  of  inflammation 
of  the  lungs  and  throat,  and  of  goitre;  St.  Apollina,of 
toothache.  Each  and  all  of  his  patients  carried  with 
him  or  her  the  emblem  of  the  special  protector  and 
expected  healer  in  each  case.  In  most  instances 
Solomon’s  remedies, — and  he  groaned  over  their  in- 
sufficient supply  and  imperfect  application, — utterly 
rejected  after  failure  to  produce  instant  cure,  be- 
came the  cause  of  extreme  dissatisfaction  and  coarse 
abuse.  The  fertility  of  the  Orient  in  epidemics  can 
be  readily  understood  by  those  who  know  how  rapidly 
patients  throng  from  all  quarters,  even  at  the  present 
day,  wherever  a physician  from  the  west  becomes  ac- 
cessible. The  marvel  is,  and  has  always  been,  that 
epidemic  scourges  are  not  constant.  Yet  their  viru- 
lence, frequency,  and  terrible  ravages  have  never 
been  and  cannot  be  exaggerated.  ‘‘And  in  the  midst 
of  all  this,”  frequently  groaned  the  over-burdened 
Solgmon,  “I  am  confronted  with  a threat  of  the 
pains  of  eternal  torment  denounced  not  only  against 
me  as  a supposed  magician,  but  against  every  phi- 
lanthropic, and  reasonable  person,  who  will  labo- 
riously investigate  the  means  of  alleviating  all  this  ter- 
rible suffering  that  menaces  universal  humanity  with 
the  purulence  of  incurable  corruption!” 

In  the  midst  of  these  labors  Solomon  and  his  royal 
patient  received  the  tidings  from  Prague. 

“I  am  under  agreement  with  Lord  Witek,”  ex- 
claimed Ladislaus  in  hot  displeasure,  “not  to  intro- 
duce my  family  quarrels  into  national  relations.  I 
believe  now  that  all  this  conspiracy  was  planned 


2B2  IVRATH  IN  HUNGARY.  LORD  BOPPO  AROUSED 


long  ago.  Both  Otakar  and  Otto,  and  some  other 
German  princes  have  accused  me  of  excessive  hostil- 
ity to  the  Premysl  dynasty.  They  have  declared 
that  Hungary  should  yet  suffer,  and  be  abandoned 
in  her  extremity,  by  reason  of  my  assault  on  an  elec- 
tor of  the  empire.  Yet  Otakar  was  a hero  and  a 
saint  compared  with  the  contemptible  conspirator 
who  now  nominally  rules  at  Prague. 

“I  am  tempted  to  ask  myself  whether  we  shall  next 
be  threatened  with  eternal  torment,  and  an  anathema 
and  an  interdict,  if  we  attempt  to  teach  honor  to 
princes,  and  instruct  rulers  in  the  common  principles 
of  truth  and  of  hospitality.  Not  enough  is  it  that 
our  sick  bodies  suffer  without  relief*  but  now  the 
fundamental  sentiments  of  sincerity  and  good  faith, 
even  between  kings  and  knights,  are  avowedly 
abrogated  at  the  bidding  of  the  pretended  ministers 
of  the  altar.  Must  we  suffer  anathema  if  we  dis- 
avow all  such  perversions  of  human  sentiment,  and 
demand  that  a man  shall  be  a man,  with  the  essen- 
tial feelings  of  a man,  and  not  an  avenging,  cunning 
beast  of  prey.^  And  it  is  against  my  sister,  too,  that 
all  this  treachery  has  been  aimed. 

“It  is  a new  Bohemia  we  have  to  deal  with.  It  is 
a Bohemia  corrupted  with  a strange  craftiness,  and 
an  imported  spirit  of  deceit,  of  mental  reservation, 
and  of  malice.  The  open  ambition  of  Otakar  was  a 
menace,  manly  of  its  kind;  but  the  deceitful  and  dis- 
honorable artifices  of  Wenzel  and  his  court  threaten 
us  with  an  invasion  infinitely  more  insidious  and 
cankerous/^ 


IVRATH  IN  HUNGARY.  LORD  BOPPO  AROUSED 


2B3 


Solomon  declared  that  the  temper  of  courts  and  of 
hierarchies  for  nearly  a century  threatened  a wide 
separation  between  rulers  and  people. 

“I  perceive, ”he  said,  “an  arbitrary  spirit  of  alleged 
divine  assumption,  on  one  side,  and  a restiveness 
and  tendency  to  self-assertion  on  the  other,  that  por- 
tend severe  contests  in  the  near  future.  The  groans 

» 

and  sufferings  of  the  one  class,  and  the  robber 
temper  of  the  other,  menace  us  with  violent  social 
convulsions.” 

“Only  a few  days  ago,”  added  Ladislaus,“I  received 
by  courier  a message  from  my  sister.  You  proba- 
bly know  that  a dispensation  released  her  from 
religious  vows.  She  describes  her  joy  as  being  for 
this  reason,  exuberant!  ‘That  motherhood  should 
come  to  me,'  she  says,  'after  I had  relinquished 
all  prospect  of  marriage;  and  that  I should  ex- 
perience such  lively  hopes  of  family  honor,  is 
a cause  of  deep  gratification.  My  baby  is  well 
and  strong;  but  I do  not  know  whom  he  resem- 
bles most.  Sometimes  I think  when  I look  into  my 
good  husband’s  face  that  my  boy  resembles  him. 
They  tell  me  he  is  most  like  me;  and  Zawis  says 
he  is  my  very  image;  but  that  is  so  like  him.  Indeed 
we  are  so  happy  I do  not  know  what  could  add  to  it. 
And  we  are  to  have  the  king  and  queen  at  the  bap- 
tism; and  I have  worked  so  hard  to  finish  the  lace 
veil  for  her. 

“ ‘She  will  look  so  well  in  it,  I think.  If  it  were  not 
really  my  own  work,  and  all  I could  wish  in  material 
and  design,  I would  not  think  of  presenting  it.  We 


234  IVRATH  IN  HUNGARY,  LORD  BOPPO  AROUSED 

feel  so  strong  a desire  to  show  our  respect  and  good 
wishes  that  I have  almost  worked  myself  ill  to  finish 
it.  But  I am  convalescing  fast,  and  I wish  you  could 
be  with  us.  My  husband  joins  me  in  sending  you 
every  good  wish.  Every  body  seems  glad  here,  and 
they  are  all  kind  and  good.’ 

“Now,’^  added  Ladislaus,  almost  in  a fury,  “my 
good  brother-in-law  is  a prisoner  in  a dungeon;  his 
wife  and  children,  his  castles  and  his  lands  are  as- 
sailed by  a wanton  conspiracy  hatched  by  a concubine 
and  a bastard.” 

Solomon  made  no  attempt  to  allay  the  king’s 
wrath;  expecting  that  when  its  transport  subsided 
Ladislaus  would  listen  patiently  to  the  report  he  de- 
sired to  lay  before  him. 

“I  would  chastise  Wenzel,”  thundered  the  king, 
“despite  the  fact  that  he  is  the  emperor’s  son-in-law. 
I know  Rudolph  dare  not  defend  such  proceedings 
against  my  plain  right  and  duty.  I am  under  solemn 
promise  to  Burchard  von  Schwenden,  the  Teutonic 
grand  master, to  aid  his  present  efforts.  His  knights 
are  scarcely  able  to  hold  their  own  against  the  des- 
perate courage  of  the  Samlanders  and  Obodriti,  and 
the  men  of  Liefland  and  of  Pogesania;  and  at  times, 
as  before  Riga,  they  suffer  bloody  discomfiture.  But 
let  Bohemia  beware.  Other  kings  of  Hungary  will 
arise;  and  my  sister’s  grief  at  the  hands  of  a wanton 
may  cost  the  Premysls  dear.” 

Solomon  attempted  to  pour  oil  on  this  blaze  by 
alluding  to  the  certainty  that  so  grievous  an  assault 
pn  an  important  section  of  the  population  must  alien- 


IVRATH  IN  HUNGARY,  LORD  BOPPO  AROUSED 


235 


ate  a multitude  of  minds  from  the  Bohemian  court, 
and  thus  expose  the  country  to  invite  attack  when 
divided  against  itself.  “Aye,  well,’^  thundered  Ladis- 
laus;  “let  them  fight;  let  them  tear  each  other;  and 
then  perhaps  may  come  my  better  opportunity.” 

“Such  madness  has  often  proved  the  ruin  of  na- 
tions,” sententiously  interposed  Solomon,  “and  per- 
haps Hungary  is  not  free  from  error  in  that  direction.” 

“You  are  right,”  exclaimed  Ladislaus,  looking  at 
him  sharply.  “What  has  become  of  old  Lord  Boppo 
von  Osterna.^  A braver  knight  or  a truer  spear  never 
bore  crusade  to  the  Baltic  or  elsewhere.  I would 
the  hero  were  younger;  I would  give  him  commission 
and  some  force  behind  it,  to  represent  my  challenge 
in  Moravia.”  Solomon  explained  that  when  last 
heard  from  the  old  man  still  remained  at  Gran;  but 
now  far  advanced  in  years,  if  still  alive.  “I  must 
request  permission  to  retire  by  way  of  Gran  to  Mo- 
ravia, under  the  present  conjuncture,”  observed 
Solomon.  “Should  the  gallant  old  lord  be  still  living, 
I will  advise  your  highness  at  once.” 

“And  should  you  do  so,”  replied  the  king,  “I  will 
authorize  Lord  Boppo  to  denounce,  in  my  name,  the 
King  of  Bohemia’s  treachery;  to  declare  him  un- 
worthy of  the  service  of  a true  knight;  and  to  an- 
nounce to  him  openly  that  I shall  visit  on  himself 
the  just  recompense  of  his  villainy.” 

“I  apprehend,”  said  Solomon,  “that  King  Wenzel 
has  had  the  least  of  all  the  court  to  do  with  this,  or 
in  fact  any  other  state  affair.  All  is  dictated  to  him 
from  Vienna.  King  Wenzel  does  not  rule  in  his 


236  IVRATH  IN  HUNGARY.  LORD  BOPPO  AROUSED 

own  palace.  If  a challenge  is  to  be  given,  let  it  be 
addressed  to  the  real  culprit  at  Vienna,  or  the  still 
greater  culprit  who  is  Vienna’s  master.  We  may 
denounce  the  wickedness  or  the  folly  of  a king,  and 
we  may  condemn  his  policy  for  not  leading  his  nation 
in  the  way  of  wisdom.  But  a king  with  one  voice 
can  effect  but  little  if  a thousand  pulpits  thunder 
against  him;  especially  as  the  pulpits  assume  to 
wield  the  powers  of  heaven  and  of  hades.  Wenzel 
holds  his  throne  in  pupilage  and  subjection.  The 
new  power  that  has  dishonored  the  Lord  Zawis 
is  the  same  that  conspired  against  Otakar,  and 
abandoned  him  after  exacting  the  best  services  and 
treasure  of  his  kingdom.” 

“In  order  to  save  time,”  observed  Ladislaus,  “be- 
fore you  depart  I will  have  a packet  prepared  to  de- 
liver to  old  Lord  Boppo,  should  he  still  live.  If  not, 
you  can  carefully  destroy  it.” 

Solomon  promised  strict  compliance;  and  having 
instructed  two  of  his  nation  to  occupy  his  place,  and 
administer  to  the  sick  as  best  they  could,  he  took  a 
speedy  departure  for  Gran. 

But  here  a serious  embarrassment  presented  itself. 
Either  Ladislaus  did  not  know  or  had  momentarily 
forgotten  the  close  relationship  between  Eudocia  and 
the  old  lord.  He  could  not  himself  introduce  so 
extremely  delicate  a topic  at  that  moment.  On  the 
other  hand  Lord  Boppo  believed  that  the  dreadful 
fate  of  his  daughter  had  resulted  from  the  direct 
edict  of  the  king  of  Hungary.  Solomon  had  reason 
to  believe  that  if  Ladislaus  had  been  aware  of  even 


IVRATH  IN  HUNGARY.  LORD  BOPPO  AROUSED  237 


a remote  family  connection  between  the  unhappy 
lady  and  his  much  venerated  friend,  not  even  an 
affront  of  the  slightest  character  could  have  been 
offered  to  Eudocia  or  her  husband.  Under  present 
circumstances,  as  Lord  Boppo  believed  Ladislaus  to 
be  guilty,  how  could  he  be  approached  with  a com- 
mission of  any  kind  from  the  king.^^ 

How  must  he  fulfill  his  promise  Could  he  believe, 
as  now  the  facts  seemed  to  indicate,  that  Brother 
Primus  had  received  no  direct  commission  whatever 
to  perpetrate  any  severities  at  Gran } Had  the  king 
only  issued  a decree  against  heresy,  without  author- 
izing extremities  or  any  punishment  without  formal 
trial  and  sentence  from  himself?  This  dreadful  alter- 
native created  in  the  calm'  temper  of  the  Hebrew 
philosopher  a sense  of  indignation  at  the  possible 
combination  of  cruelty  and  violent  assumption  of 
authority  wholly  illegal  and  atrocious  presented  by 
the  violent  proceedings  at  Gran.  ‘‘Surely,’^  he  re- 
flected, “the  king  must  be  innocent  of  any  direct 
order,  or  of  any  order;  and  only  a demoniac  fanati- 
cism could  have  assumed  so  much  without  authority/’ 
On  the  other  hand,  Solomon  well  knew  that  in  many 
countries,  if  not  all  through  Europe,  the  simple  de- 
nunciation of  a Jew  by  any  ecclesiastic,  on  his  bare 
word  and  order,  compelled  every  magistrate  to  im- 
prison that  Jew  for  a time  indefinite.  Only  by  sub- 
sidies sternly  exacted  could  this  peril  be  avoided, 
Solomon  decided  to  ascertain  the  condition  of  Lord 
Boppo’s  belief  before  he  should  venture  to  present 
his  commission;  and  having  cleared  away  possible 


2B8  U/RATH  IN  HUNGARY.  LORD  BOPPO  AROUSED 


misapprehensions, to  discharge  his  errand  with  fidelity 
to  both  sides. 

Armed  with  this  resolution,  Solomon  learned  at 
Gran,  to  his  profound  gratification,  that  the  old  man 
still  lived  and  discharged  the  duties  of  magistrate 
with  eminent  success.  Lord  Boppo  now  presented 
a countenance  so  grand  and  dignified,  a figure  so 
commanding  albeit  stooped,  and  a manner  at  once 
so  strict  and  so  gracious  that  his  authority  was  felt 
almost  without  its  exercise.  A countenance  broad, 
rugged,  and  open,  seamed  with  conflicts  more  from 
within  than  from  any  impression  of  awe  the  outer 
world  could  infuse,  an  affability  that  won  affection, 
and  a gravity  that  inspired  confidence,  a combination 
of  reserve  and  geniality,  and  an  appropriateness  of 
diction  that  expressed  the  full  subject  without  re- 
dundancy, enabled  Lord  Boppo  to  guide  the  diversi- 
fied society  around  him  with  a smoothness,  and  im- 
pressiveness that  at  once  attracted  and  guided  the 
community. 

Lord  Boppo  received  his  friend  with  much  grave 
courtesy.  The  presence  of  Solomon  seemed  to  re- 
vive painful  memories;  and  a shade  passed  over  the 
veteran’s  furrowed  features.  Solomon  observed  the 
sign;  and  approached  his  subject  with  great  caution. 
‘T  have  just  arrived,’’  he  said,  “and  I have  entrusted 
my  official  duties  to  substitutes  for  the  present,  and 
perhaps  permanently.  I do  not  at  present  expect  to 
return  to  the  court  or  its  employment. 

“The  sufferings  of  the  people  are  great.  Patients 
afflicted  with  every  degree  and  kind  of  ailment  crowd 


IVRATH  IN  HUNGARY.  LORD  BOPPO  AROUSED 


239 


to  my  insufficient  remedies,  and  imperfect  skill. 
Who  can  be  equal  to  all  the  dreadful  maladies 
around.^  The  unhappy  events  at  Fiirstenberg  and 
at  Plague  compel  me  to  hasten  to  Moravia.’^  Boppo 
looked  as  if  the  intelligence  had  not  reached  him. 
“We  are  not  in  the  direct  line  of  commerce  or  of 
travel,’’  he  said;  “and  we  prefer  associations  with 
the  East  rather  than  with  the  West.” 

Solomon  narrated  the  occurrences  leading  to  and  , 
including  the  impri.sonment  of  Zawis;  and  the  al- 
leged reasons  for  it  so  far  as  they  had  been  made 
public  at  court.  Boppo  looked  at  first  calm,  then 
grave,  and  at  last  severe. 

“Your  judgment  seems  correct,”  at  length  he 
said.  “These  unkingly  and  unknightly  proceedings 
originate  at  Vienna.  Wenzel  is  surrounded  by  vi- 
cious councilors.  Personally  he  has  been  neglected 
in  order  that  he  might  be  the  pliant  agent  that  he 
now  is.  A truer  knight  than  Lord  Zawis  I have  not 
known;  and  the  emperor  has  felt  his  hand.  Chivalry 
repudiates,  and  honor  abhors  such  proceedings.  I 
have  rejected  much,  I trust,  of  the  evil  principle  that 
has  invaded  us. 

“Should  I find  clear  proof,  after  mature  investi- 
gation, that  Rudolph  has  countenanced  or  now  fails 
to  condemn  such  treachery  to  a gallant  knight,  who 
wore  his  escutcheon  with  more  grace  and  more  dis- 
tinction than  himself,  I shall  feel  compelled  to  re- 
nounce and  cast' off  forever  the  last  token  that  as- 
sociates me  with  Rudolph.  I bear  no  commission 
from  King  Ladislaus,  and  I would  bear  none  should 


240  IVRATH  IN  HUNGARY.  LORD  BOPPO  AROUSED 


it  be  offered.  But  my  decision  is  taken;  and  I hope 
to  have  strength  to  discharge  this  last  duty  of  knight- 
hood before  I die.”  Solomon  at  once  explained  his 
reasons  for  believing  that  King  Ladislaus  was  not  as 
guilty  as  had  been  supposed.  “Had  he  been,”  he 
said,  “he  could  never  have  mentioned  your  name.” 

“Until  we  receive  further  explanation,”  said 
Boppo,  “you  will  reserve  a more  full  statement  of 
, your  errand.” 


CHAPTER  XX. 


BOPPO  CONFRONTS  AND  REPUDIATES  RUDOLPH. 

As  soon  as  Lord  Boppo  had  retired  to  his  simple, 
airy  dwelling,  where  he  reposed  almost  as  much  in 
the  open  air  as  formerly  he  had  done  during  his  cam- 
paigns, he  gave  instructions  to  his  attendant  to  admit 
no  person  except  on  emergent  magisterial  business. 
Then  seating  himself  before  a very  plain  oaken  chest, 
almost  black  with  age,  he  took  from  his  vesture  a 
large  key. 

“Let  me  refresh  my  memory,’’  he  mused,  “with  a 
view  of  the  old  and  honored  emblems.”  Then  open- 
ing the  chest,  he  took  out  an  enwrapped  and  folded 
white  mantle.  Gashed  it  was,  and  fissured,  and  rent; 
and  it  bore  some  faded  blood-stains;  and  as  the  old 
hero  reviewed  each  token  of  former  eagerness  to  give 
and  take,  he  pointed  in  silence  to  each  storied  mark 
of  battle.  Placing  his  finger  on  one  and  another,  he 
mused,  and  thought  of  the  special  memory  attached 
to  every  one.  “I  will  not  boast  of  these  evidences,” 
he  said  solemnly.  “I  have  long  doubted  of  the  justice 
and  the  wisdom  that  arrayed  us  against  either  Mos- 
lem or  Livonian.  Those  men  held  their  territories 
of  ancient  right;  and  although  eminent  persons  con- 
demned both  to  death  for  opinions,  I must  concede 
to  both  most  conspicuous  chivalry,  sterling  honor  in 

241 


242  BOPFO  CONFRONTS  AND  REPUDIATES  RUDOLPH 

all  their  engagements,  generosity  to  adversaries  who 
deserved  but  little  of  it,  courtesy  in  their  tents  such 
as  none  of  us  could  surpass,  and  few  could  equal,  a 
splendor  of  equipment  that  even  Louis  did  not  ap- 
proach, and  a reasonableness  in  their  demands  that 
put  our  violent  and  unjustifiable  intrusion  to  the 
blush.  Pretending  to  honor  the  birthplace  of  the 
Prince  of  Peace,  we  rendered  it  a scene  of  rapine, 
massacre,  and  the  wantonness  of  bloodshed.  Obeying 
the  imperious  summons  of  the  vicegerent  of  Christ 
to  abandon  our  country,  its  interests,  its  people,  its 
altars  and  its  peace,  we  returned, — such  of  us  as  did 
return, — to  find  our  estates  in  the  hands  of  monks, 
our  dignities  usurped  by  bishops,  our  wealth  col- 
lected by  the  agents  of  the  vicegerent  under  dreadful 
terrorism,  and  our  families  impoverished,  and  too 
often  glad  to  receive  a pittance  at  the  gate  of  that 
monastery  which  had  arisen  from  the  proceeds  of 
our  land  mortgaged  for  a soldier’s  outfit.  Such  a 
revolution  has  our  wild  sentimentalism  wrought 
upon  us! 

“In  Livonia  we  acted  simply  as  robbers  without 
even  an  excuse,  except  the  lust  for  land  disguised  as 
an  ardor  for  the  cross.  In  furtherance  of  this  un- 
holy violence  we  cultivated  a sense  of  honor,  a chival- 
rous fortitude,  a sterling  adherence  to  truth,  an  ab- 
horrence of  falsehood,  and  above  all  of  treachery, 
virtues  which  filled  us  with  an  enthusiasm  that 
blended  an  unrighteous  cause  with  exalted  feelings, 
and  blinded  us  to  the  coarse  criminality  of  our  pro- 
ceedings. Only  remains  to  me  now  the  sense  of 


^OPPO  CONFRONTS  AND  REPUDIATES  RUDOLPH  243 


honor  as  of  old,  the  adherence  to  truth,  the  abhor- 
rence of  falsehood  and  especially  ,of  treachery,  the 
purity  of  hospitality,  and  the  sacredness  of  our  own 
hearthstone  to  an  invited  guest,  that  I trust  will  con- 
tinue to  ennoble  mankind.  Unwittingly  the  cross  we 
bore  on  mantle  and  gonfalon  assumed  a sable  hue, 
and  I fear  sable  must  characterize  its  symbolism.*’ 

Here  the  veteran  drew  forth  a gold  chain  collar  in- 
terlaced with  oak  leaves  and  acorns,  supporting  a 
medallion  with  the  figure  of  a black  bear  having  un- 
der it  a hillock  enameled  in  green.  ‘Ht  is  a memorial 
of  the  unrequited  Frederick,”  he  said;  “but  my  pos- 
session of  it  is  associated  with  Rudolph.  Not  happily 
appropriate  as  an  emblem;  yet  it  is  intended  to  rep- 
resent the  native  patriotism  of  the  Swiss  under  the 
symbol  of  their  best  known  and  most  familiar  quad- 
ruped. Rudolph  esteemed  the  gift  to  me  a compli- 
ment. But  I entertain  strong  apprehension  that 
Rudolph  and  his  advisers  are  of  those  who  assume 
heroic  virtue  in  order  to  conceal  clandestine  villainy. 
A palpable  contradiction  between  the  pretense  and  the 
act  (constitutes  the  abhorred  vice  that  chivalry  espe- 
cially repudiated.”  Boppo  next  drew  forth,  suspend- 
ed from  a plain,  short  silk  ribbon,  a cross  potent, 
sable,  charged  with  another  cross  double  potent, 
gold,  surcharged  with  an  escutcheon  of  the  empire; 
the  principal  cross  surmounted  by  . a chief  sem6  of 
France. 

“Ah !”  said  the  old  man,  “ I have  some  right  to  this. 
It  recalls  the  day  of  Damietta,  criminally  glorious  as 
it  was.  My  special  charge,  that  won  the  day  and  the 


244  BOPPO  CONFRONTS  AND  REPUDIATES  RUDOLPH 

fortress,  induced  Louis  to  append  to  our  badge  the 
chief  seme  with  the  lilies  of  France  in  token  of  his 
approval.  For  such  baubles  do  men  unhorse  their 
reason,  beat  down  their  better  sense,  stab  their  hu- 
manity, and  trample  their  social  impulses  in  the  mire. 
Should  Rudolph  be  convicted  of  so  dastardly  a con- 
spiracy as  that  which  has  consigned  a more  chival- 
rous knight  than  himself  to  a felon’s  dungeon,  for  the 
heinous  purposes  attributed  to  him,  then  all  the  crime 
committed  at  Acre  and  at  Antioch,  all  the  robber 
violence  of  Remove,  of  Culm,  of  Riga  and  other  cas- 
tles in  Livonia  and  in  Samland,  are  excusable  offen- 
ses compared  with  the  base  conspiracy,  hatched  in 
secret,  that  attempts  to  seize  the  estate  of  a knight 
of  our  own  kindred,  and  our  own  order,  intending 
to  gratify  the  vulgar  greed  of  an  aspiring  tyrant. 
Rudolph  is  old  and  worn;  and  I deem  myself  bound 
to  seek  his  presence.  Only  his  own  avowal  could 
justify  me  in  imputing  so  dark  a stain  to  a Swiss 
knight  and  an  emperor.  Like  every  other  accused 
man,  he  is  entitled  to  an  unembarrassed  defense,  as 
freely  as  the  open  judicial  lists  can  supply  it.” 

The  old  man,  feeling  the  burden  of  his  years, took 
the  precaution  of  providing  himself  with  an  attendant. 
To  the  latter,  mounted  on  a slow  and  stout  pack- 
horse,  was  consigned  the  care  of  such  encumbrance 
as  his  journey  required. 

The  old  man  bent  his  way  first  toward  Fiirstenberg 
to  ascertain  the  exact  conditions  prevailing  there.  On 
his  approach  to  the  Moravian  frontier  such  intelli- 
gence continually  presented  itself,  in  the  excited  con- 


BOPPO  CONFRONTS  AND  REPUDIATES  RUDOLPH  245 


versation  of  the  people,  as  left  no  doubt  that  in  its 
main  features  the  truth  had  not  been  overstated. 
Zawis  lay  a prisoner  after  presenting  himself  at  the 
palace  at  Prague,  on  a most  dutiful  and  courteous 
mission,  where  he  had  been  directly  invited  to  pre- 
sent himself  as  an  honored  guest,  by  order  of  the  king 
in  person.  ‘‘Wenzel  is  but  a boy,”  said  the  peasants, 
“and  a neglected  boy.  His  soul  is  not  his  own. 
Bohemia  is  intended  to  be  made  a province  attached 
to  the  new  dynasty,  no  longer  as  a kingdom,  but  as 
a family  estate.  Rudolph  himself  is  but  a hired  ser- 
vant to  a new  master  who  has  exchanged  us  for  prov- 
inces in  Italy,  although  we  never  belonged  to  him.” 

Boppo  determined  to  change  his  course  and  pro- 
ceed to  Vienna.  He  should  there  be  better  able  to 
procure  definite  advices  of  the  precise  locality  where 
the  emperor  should  be  found. 

On  this  point  Hungarian  and  Moravian  peasants 
were  necessarily  in  ignorance.  Nearing  Vienna,  Boppo 
learned  to  his  surprise  the  seething  discontent  of  the 
inhabitants  of  that  city.  The  better  to  observe  the 
situation,  he  resolved  to  seek  the  hospitality  of  the 
great  Cistercian  Monastery  at  Neustadt.  Approach- 
ing this  great  establishment,  he  observed  pendent 
from  the  neck  of  a monk,  whose  garb  differed  from 
the  others,  a cross  of  equal  arms,  fleurie,  quarterly 
sable  and  argent.  This  dreadful  symbol  recalled  the 
too  painful  scenes  at  Gran;  and  the  old  man  deter- 
mined not  to  entrust  himself  within  the  fortress,  and 
possibly  the  prison  gates  of  that  strongly  walled  en- 
closure. 


240  BOPPO  CONFRONTS  AND  REPUDIATES  RUDOLPH 

But  why  the  presence  of  that  menacing  symbol 
here?  Securing  a lodgment  in  a large  but  decayed 
dwelling  now  occupied  by  many  separate  families, 
Boppo  determined  to  observe  the  place  and  the  peo- 
ple. A quiet  distrust  showed  itself  in  every  face. 
Men  and  women  moved  almost  stealthily.  Yet  not 
the  furtive  glance  of  the  self-conscious  coward,  not 
the  searching  look  of  the  suspicious  criminal  who 
attempts  to  read  an  enemy  in  the  eyes,  but  the 
averted  look  of  the  man  who  simply  avoids  others 
and  desires  to  go  his  way  unmolested,  revealed  itself 
to  Boppo.  Experience  detected  the  difference. 
Further  observation  removed  doubt ; and  the  old  man 
knew  that  he  stood  amid  a community  of  Catharoi. 
The  presence  of  the  cross  of  equal  arms,  quarterly 
sable  and  argent;  at  once  explained  itself.  He  no- 
ticed and  answered  the  countersign  privately  and 
cautiously  given,  and  such  as  no  eyes  but  those  of 
the  initiated  could  detect.  The  same  signals  now 
prevailed  among  the  almost  blended  sects  that  be- 
came known  universally  from  this  period  asWalden- 
ses;  but  still  in  many  places  also  as  Sabbatati.  A 
secret  consultation  advised  a speedy  departure.  No 
overt  act  had  yet  occurred,  and  the  proximity  of 
Vienna,  where  the  great  body  of  the  population  sym- 
pathized with  Waldensian  civil  and  religious  reforms, 
rendered  severity  improbable. 

A rest  of  one  day  enabled  the  old  man  to  renew 
his  journey  with  fresh  energy. 

Resuming  his  old  method  of  military  reasoning, 
Boppo  arranged  before  his  mental  vision  the  com- 


BOPPO  CONFRONTS  AND  REPUDIATES  RUDOLPH  247 


ponents  of  the  situation  before  him.  ‘‘Rudolph,’’  he 
reflected,  “entertains  especial  designs  against  Bohe- 
mia. He  has  married  his  daughter  toOtakar’s  son, 
and  his  son  to  Otakar’s  daughter  to  make  the  suc- 
cession certain  in  his  family.  He  has  deprived 
Wenzel  even  of  the  most  ordinary  education,  and 
surrounded  him  with  agents  that  work  only  on  his 
sensibilities,  rendered  unusually  keen  by  religious 
terrorism.  He  is  now  advanced  in  life;  and  I judge 
troubled  at  finding  impediments  where  he  least  ex- 
pected them.  The  national  mind  of  Bohemia, repre- 
sented by  Zawis,  must  be  utterly  crushed  before  it 
can  wholly  substitute  Habsburg  for  Premysl. 

“These  subjects,  I doubt  not,  occupy  much  of  his 
thoughts;  and  as  the  occasion  creates  excitement  he 
is  certainly  preparing  to  subdue  any  commotion  in 
Moravia.  Wenzel’s  advisers  on  their  part  certainly 
are  at  work  to  secure  the  emperor’s  co-operation  in 
their  plans  to  perfect  the  result  of  their  conspiracy. 
Assuredly  I shall  find  direct  messengers  from  Prague 
at  the  imperial  court.  Rudolph  must  assist  the  com- 
pletion of  a design  evidently  his  own. 

“Wenzel  would  never  venture  on  a step  so  danger- 
ous and  imperial,  without  the  sanction  of  his  father- 
in-law  plainly  intimated  befoiehand. 

“I  must  regard  the  fate  of  Zawis  as  already  decided. 
Therefore  no  delicacy  or  tenderness  must  impede  my 
action,  or  embarrass  my  speech.” 

Boppo  and  his  attendant  experienced  no  difficulty 
in  discovering  that  a deputation  from  Prague  was 
then  at  court,  and  only  awaited  the  assembling  of  a 


248  BOPPO  CONFRONTS  AND  REPUDIATES  RUDOLPH 

body  of  troops  intended  by  the  emperor  to  enforce 
the  orders  already  issued  respecting  the  subjugation 
of  Zawis’  retainers,  who  showed  strong  signs  of  re- 
sistance. 

The  diet  at  Erfurt,  which  began  its  sessions  at 
Christmas  1289,  continued  until  mid-lent  of  the  fol- 
lowing year.  During  this  somewhat  stormy  period 
politically  within  the  empire, Rudolph  heard  a multi- 
tude of  local  complainings.  Robber  knights  abounded 
in  that  region.  An  order  to  pursue  and  apprehend 
many  of  these  freebooters  compelled  the  emperor  to 
proceed  for  a short  period  to  Ilmenau.  Here  his 
chief  force  had  assembled;  and  twenty-nine  predatory 
chiefs,  or  poor  knights  who  would  gladly  have  fought 
as  Rudolph  did  against  the  Prussians  under  Otakar, 
suffered  the  extreme  penalty  of  imperial  displeasure. 
At  this  place  Boppo  encountered  a large  number  of 
pleading  wives  and  children,  of  interested  barons 
and  landholders,  of  merchants  whose  property  these 
free  lances  protected  while  they  plundered  that  of 
competitors,  all  clamorous  for  imperial  clemency. 
Between  these  counter  applications,  expressed  with 
an  energy  and  clamor  long  disused  on  such  occa- 
sions, Rudolph  found  himself  harassed,  and  in  an 
unamiable  temper.  He  was,  however,  candid ; saying 
to  each  and  all,  ‘‘The  sword  was  not  put  into  the 
hands  of  gentlemen  to  oppress  but  to^  protect;  not 
to  maintain  violence,  but  to  promote  justice.  The 
noble  and  the  commoner  must  abstain  from  wrong- 
doing alike,  the  former  all  the  more  as  they  are 
noble.’’ 


BOPPO  CONFRONTS  AND  REPUDIATES  RUDOLPH  249 


‘‘Ah!  Semovit,  is  it  you  indeed?’^  exclaimed  Ryn- 
gold,  Boppo’s  attendant,  meeting  an  old  acquaint- 
ance. 

“Yes,  truly;  and  is  it  you  I see  or  some  other  fel- 
low.^^’^  rejoined  Semovit,  laughing. 

“What  cheer.^^”  inquired  Ryngold. 

“Scarcely  passable,”  answered  Semovit.  “Little 
enjoyment,  less  luck  these  days.  Only  our  poor 
pay,  and  even  that  not  regular.” 

“What  leisure,  then.^^”  asked  Ryngold. 

“To-day  and  to-morrow  on  guard;  and  after  that 
ordered  to  prepare  for  Moravia.  Some  pestilent  fel- 
low has  raised  a disturbance  again.” 

“It  is  now  twenty-nine  years  since  we  met  in  Prus- 
sia, and  here  we  are  soldiering  yet,”  said  Ryngold. 

“Even  so,”  replied  Semovit,  “but  I doubt  whether 
Moravia  will  see  my  face  this  time.  Rudolph’s  ser- 
vice is  not  as  good  as  a snug  tavern  and  a widow  in 
Vienna.” 

“What  hours,  then,  to-morrow  on  guard.^”  asked 
Ryngold! 

“Noon  until  six,  worse  luck,”  said  Semovit;  “and  I 
should  have  not  that  only  that  a troublesome  em- 
bassy from  Prague  has  insisted  on  an  audience  at 
three  and  I must  be  there.”  A quart  of  beer  renewed 
old  comradeship  and  Ryngold  departed  to  announce 
his  intelligence  to  his  master. 

At  the  hour  named  Boppo  presented  himself,  rea- 
soning that  he  had  better  speak,  as  no  opportunity 
would  occur  at  Erfurt. 

Advancing  with  the  deputation,  and  being  instantly 


250  BOPPO  CONFRONTS  AND  REPUDIATES  RUDOLPH 

recognized  by  Semovit,  who  saluted  most  respect- 
fully, Boppo  entered  and  placed  himself  at  the  head 
of  the  visitors.  Rudolph  sat  apparently  oppressed 
with  thought,  and  filled  with  displeasure,  his  face 
half  turned  away,  and  his  clenched  right  hand  on 
the  table.  Slowly  turning  his  countenance,  the 
grand  presence  of  Lord  Boppo,  to  his  amazement, 
rose  before  him.  Perplexity  amounting  almost  to 
consternation  confused  and  suppressed  his  utterance. 

“Your  majesty  will  allow  me,’’ began  the  old  man, 
“to  take  final  leave  of  former  comrade  and  comman- 
der. Full  fifty  years  of  acquaintance,  much  of  that 
time  in  good-fellowship,  entitle  me  to  pay  my  last 
respects.  I hope  I may  do  so  with  all  the  knightly  and 
fraternal  feeling  that  I enjoyed  of  old.  Profoundly 
shall  I grieve  if  the  sudden  imprisonment  of  the  good 
Lord  Zawis  is  due  to  imperial  purpose  enforced  by 
the  methods  adopted  to  deceive  and  ensnare  him.  Is 
the  statement  true  that  a knight  still  unconvicted  of 
offense  has  been  enticed, by  a false  pretense  of  hospi- 
tality, and  in  the  name  of  his  prince,  into  the  palace 
where  that  hospitality  was  proffered,  and  was  then 
seized  violently  and  immured  in  a felon’s  dungeon, 
when  he  trusted  to  the  sacred  word  of  his  king  ac- 
cording to  the  confidence  of  a brave  knight  and  true? 
Had  your  majesty  a share  in  that  transaction?” 

“Zawis  was  not  apprehended  by  my  orders,”  re- 
plied Rudolph,  suddenly  required  to  defend  himself; 
“but  I approve  of  what  has  been  done.” 

“Sir,”  said  Boppo,  “I  have  seen  my  baronial  for- 
tress reduced  to  ash^s  by  the  Tartars,  and  have 


BOPPO  CONFRONTS  AND  REPUDIATES  RUDOLPH  251 


gladly  taken  refuge  in  a hovel;  it  was  in  some  sort 
the  fortune  of  war.  I have  seen  my  wife  die  in  exile, 
and  have  laid  her  by  the  highway;  I have  suffered 
the  total  wreck  of  all  fortune;  but  I have  abstained 
from  a word  of  plaint  because  in  my  dark  days  I 
have  aided  you  and  others  to  inflict  similar  misery 
and  death  on  the  wives  and  children  of  men  better 
than  we;  and  I have  done  it  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Christ.  I have  seen  my  daughter  given  to  the 
flames  by  that  ferocious  fanaticism  that  has  slaugh- 
tered multitudes  in  the  name  of  faith,  and  has  given 
men  only  the  same  paganism  under  another  name,  like 
two  idols  cut  from  the  same  stick;  and  I have  en- 
dured it  as  being  the  natural  result  of  my  own  evil 
methods  inflicted  by  inevitable  natural  retaliation  on 
myself.” 

Here  Rudolph  showed  some  sign  of  impatience, 
but  the  stern  voice  and  gesture  of  the  old  man  held 
him  bound. 

“But  no  instance  of  treachery,  no  act  of  deceit, 
no  violation  of  hospitality,  no  insidious  message,  no 
profanation  of  my  hearthstone  and  its  sacredness, 
no  abnegation  of  my  own  honor  has  ever  sullied  the 
life  or  the  thought  of  Boppo.”  Then  taking  the 
mantle  and  crosses,  he  said,  “I  received  these  things 
from  you  as  emblems  of  the  same  unsullied  honor  in 
the  giver.  Take  them,  sir,  I fling  them  down;  I re- 
pudiate them,  stained  as  they  now  are  with  the 
knightly  treachery  of  the  man  who  gave  them.  Such 
evil  deeds  as  this  you  have  committed  strongly  in- 
dicate to  me  the  spirit  and  the  conduct  of  your  house 


BOPPO  CONFRONTS  AND  REPUDIATES  RUDOLPH 


in  years  to  come;  and  I trust  I also  represent  the  in- 
dignation of  true  knighthood,  and  the  repudiation 
of  such  acts  and  of  the  spirit  that  prompts  them 
by  the  self-respect  of  revolted  nations.  I doubt 
not  the  day  shall  come  when  the  only  hope 
of  your  line  shall  shrink  from  the  eyes  of  society 
and  the  presence  of  the  assembled  pride  of  nations 
like  a fugitive  from  justice/’ 

Boppo  strode  from  the  presence  of  Rudolph,  leav- 
ing the  mantle  and  the  crosses  at  his  feet. 


CHAPTER  XXI 


ARRAIGNMENT  OF  ZAWIS  AND  JAROSLAV. 

The  sudden  imprisonment  of  Zawis,  and  the  ex- 
pected interposition  of  imperial  troops  in  concerns 
that  had  hitherto  fallen  exclusively  within  the  juris- 
diction of  the  Bohemian  crown  created  some  excite- 
ment. The  barons  shunned  the  palace,  and  incurred 
the  enmity  of  the  court  party.  The  fatal  temptation 
of  imperial  favor,  although  utterly  insincere,  had 
begun  to  produce  its  effect.  A semblance  of  judicial 
proceedings  must  be  maintained. 

Accordingly  a full  council  assembled;  and  Zawis 
and  Nicolas  Jaroslav  appeared,  the  former  heavily 
manacled. 

The  latter,  emboldened  by  his  own  integrity, 
adopted  an  injured  tone,  and  demanded  that  some 
accusation,  to  which  he  might  answer,  should  be 
presented.  “Such  has  ever  been  the  law  and  custom 
in  Bohemia,’’  he  averred. 

“Before  any  man  can  be  held  to  trial,  or  even 
made  prisoner,  a statement  of  the  charge  against  him 
must  be  lodged  in  court.  I demand  a procedure  ac- 
cording to  the  ancient  rights  of  Bohemia.” 

“Do  you  not  believe, ’’inquired  bishop  Tobias,  “that 
the  lords  spiritual  and  temporal  here  assembled  are 

253 


254  ARRAIGNMEhiT  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  JAROSLA^ 

animated  by  the  spirit  of  justice;  and  that  they  will 
judge  uprightly  in  all  matters  submitted  to  them?’’ 

“Such,”  replied  Nicolas,  himself  a notarius  and 
well  learned  in  all  the  judicature  of  his  country, 
“has  ever  been  the  pretense  whereby  men  have  been 
persuaded  to  surrender  their  own  self-government; 
and  intrusted  their  lives  and  fortunes  to  the  hands 
of  men  who  thus  attempt  to  substitute  their  own 
fancies  for  the  law  of  the  land  That  law  is  supreme 
even  over  those  commissioned  to  administer  it.  It 
commands  them  to  obey  the  procedure  it  prescribes.” 

“There  are  principles  and  subjects  over  which 
your  law  can  exercise  no  control,”  replied  Tobias. 
“Matters  of  conscience  and  of  secret  motive  can  not 
be  reached  by  law  passed  by  the  states.  Such  law  can 
only  affect  outward  and  coarse  things.  The  law 
divine,  interpreted  by  the  ministers  of  God,  is  alone 
applicable  to  unav'owed  motives  and  opinions.  The 
sacredness  of  morality  falls  not  within  the  domain  of 
your  law.  Only  God’s  law  can  reach  it.” 

“An  extremely  narrow  and  uninspired  notion  of 
morality,”  rejoined  Nicolas.  “All  truth  falls  within 
the  empire  of  morality.  The  man  who  testifies  truly 
and  expresses  his  full  knowledge  out  of  regard  for 
truth,  on  the  simplest  subject  of  evidence,  obeys 
the  law  of  morals  as  fully  as  the  man  who  pretends 
to  propound  mysteries. 

“All  truth  is  perfect;  and  the  element  of  sincere 
truthfulness  in  a matter  of  slight  moment  is  as  pure 
and  as  heavenly,  to  its  extent,  as  in  a subject  of  the 
largest  importance.  The  man  who  expresses  the 


ARRAlCUMEhT  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  JAROSLAI/ 


255 


truth  from  a conscience  devoted  to  truth  obeys  the 
divine  law  in  its  essence;  and  every  man  who  does 
this  interprets  and  administers  God’s  law  for  himself. 
He  needs  no  agent  to  do  it  for  him.  By  such  sub- 
terfuges the  law  of  the  land,  in  many  countries,  has 
been  set  aside  in  order  that  alien  decrees  may  be 
insidiously  introduced.” 

‘‘The  lords  spiritual  and  temporal  who  have  been 
selected  by  the  king,  are  your  lawful  judges,  and 
their  authority  is  from  the  fountain  of  all  law  in  this 
land,”  rejoined  Tobias. 

“The  king  never  has  been  the  fountain  of  all  law 
in  Bohemia,”  rejoined  Nicolas.  “He  is  himself  the 
servant  and  administrator  of  the  law.  By  it  his 
authority  is  conferred.  All  the  lords  spiritual 
and  temporal  here  present  will  in  brief  time  depart 
from  life.  After  them  will  arise  other  lords  whose 
judgment  must  necessarily  differ  from  that  of  the 
present  lords,  as  their  minds  will  be  different. 
The  law  is  for  permanence,  that  all  men  may  be 
judged  alike  before  the  same  standard.  As  all  men 
are  directed  to  conform  their  actions  to  the  rule  pre- 
scribed, they  must  be  judged  by  that  rule  which  has 
been  held  up  as  their  guide. 

“Thus  only  can  the  sentiment  of  the  nation  be  ex- 
pressed; and  thus  only  can  it  derive  the  right  to 
punish.  I am  not  to  be  judged  here  by  a law  I know 
not  of,  by  a law  that  no  lord  spiritual  or  temporal 
has  even  ventured  to  proclaim,  that  is  to  say,  a law 
of  his  own  devising  after  the  act  he  undertakes  to  in- 
vestigate. Such  a law  can  be  made  to  suit  the  policy. 


256 


ARRAIGNMENT  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  JAROSLAy 


the  vengeance,  the  folly,  or  the  covetousness  of  the 
hour.  The  law  of  the  momentary  feelings  of  lords 
spiritual  or  temporal  is  too  liable  to  fluctuation  and 
the  influence  of  passion  to  be  accepted  even  for  an 
emergency.’^ 

“You  will  answer  the  questions  put  to  you,’^  re- 
plied Tobias. 

“I  will  answer  a formal  accusation  and  none  other  ” 
replied  Nicolas. 

After  a short  consultation  Duke  Nicolas  said:  “The 
cause  of  Nicolas  Jaroslav  is  deferred  for  the  present. 
He  will  be  examined,  however,  as  a witness  in  the 
cause  of  Zawis  of  Falkenstein.  Is  the  person  of 
Zawis  of  Rosenberg, called  also  of  Falkenstein, before 
this  tribunal.^” 

“The  person  mentioned,  whether  you  know  him 
under  one  name  or  the  other,  is  present,’^  answered 
Zawis,  “but  I deny  that  the  persons  in  my  presence 
constitute  a tribunal.  The  laws  of  this  kingdom 
are  too  well  known,  and  too  long  established  to  be 
infringed  successfully  by  a body  of  self-constituted 
intruders.  I observe  not  the  king's  presence,  and 
by  no  inferior  authority  can  I be  legally  arraigned. 
I perceive  here  still  further  proofs  that  an  alien  and 
an  illegitimate  assertion  of  power  have  conspired 
first  to  degrade  the  kingdom  by  the  abrogation  of 
all  judicial  precedent,  next  to  rebel  against  the  king’s 
authority  by  usurping  his  place  and  his  prerogative, 
and  last  to  commit  a judicial  murder  under  the  pre- 
tended sanction  of  legal  proceedings.  The  persons 
in  my  presence  form  only  an  insolent  intrusion  into 


ARRAIGNMENT  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  JAROSLAF 


257 


the  assumed  office  of  jurists  and  of  judges.  Only 
to  the  king,  representing  the  majesty  of  Bohemia, 
will  any  baron  ever  present  the  least  explanation  of 
his  conduct.  In  the  assertion  of  this  legal  right  I 
am  the  only  person  here  who  does  not  act  as  a con- 
spirator and  a traitor.” 

“The  lords  spiritual  and  temporal,”  answered  To- 
bias, “embody  the  justice  of  the  realm.  They  are 
moved  by  the  highest  dictates  of  conscientious  equity, 
and  barons  of  every  rank  may  well  submit  them- 
selves to  their  sentence.” 

“I  observe  herein,”  replied  Zawis,  “an  insidious 
effort  to  substitute  the  usurped  authority  of  an  alien 
for  the  fundamental  law  of  this  land.  To  permit,  or 
even  to  think  of  any  such  innovation,  constitutes  a 
treason  against  the  autonomy  of  Bohemia.  The  as- 
sumption of  such  functions  as  are  attempted  here, 
during  the  king’s  necessary  absence  at  Eger  and  at 
Erfurt  is  another  proof  that  unauthorized  intruders 
have  begun  a system  of  perversion  of  the  laws  of  the 
land,  and  of  subversion  of  the  king’s  authority  that 
threatens  the  extinction  of  public  right.  The  sub- 
stitution of  alien  instructions  for  the  permanent  ex- 
pression and  formulated  exercise  of  the  nation’s  will 
is  the  beginning  of  that  subjection  of  Bohemia,  as  it 
would  be  of  any  other  land,  to  the  mometary  con- 
venience of  foreign  despots  that  has  its  origin  in  the 
great  conspiracy  that  attempts  to  dominate  all  na- 
tions through  spiritual  intervention.  Not  with  me 
shall  be  begun  this  overthrow  of  the  law  and  consti- 
tution of  Bohemia.  I am  the  less  inclined  to  recog- 


258 


ARRAIGNMENT  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  JAROSLA^ 


nize  any  such  authority,  as  I see  it  attempted  by 
one  who  stands  in  the  same  position  towards  legiti- 
mate functions  here  as  he  does  toward  a legal  and 
recognized  status  in  the  king’s  household.’^ 

“The  entire  course  of  your  proceedings/^  answered 
N icolas, frowning, “from  the  day  when  you  aspired  to 
the  hand  of  Queen  Kunigunde,  whom  I cannot 
recognize  as  lawful  queen,  although  she  bore  the 
name  as  being  my  father’s  married  consort,  to  the 
criminal  hour  when  you  purloined  fifty  thousand 
marks  fiom  the  public  treasury;  and  further  to  the 
ambitious  attempts  to  engage  the  King  of  Hungary 
in  your  criminal  projects  against  the  crown,  has  been 
marked  by  deceit,  treason,  and  open  combination 
with  other  conspirators  against/he  king’s  authority.” 

“All  of  this  insolent  falsification,”  replied  Zawis 
scornfully,  “only  means  that  as  Queen  Margaret 
could  not  hope  for  an  heir,  you  expected  to  impose 
yourself  on  the  estates  as  king  of  Bohemia;  or 
threaten  civil  dissensions  to  which  you  had,  and  you 
have  now  formed  a party. 

“Your  traitor’s  soul  thus  denies  to  your  king  the 
right  to  reign  as  being  illegitimate,  according  to  your 
treasonable  assertions.  Your  wrath  directed  against 
me  in  alliance  with  other  traitors  whose  purpose  you 
are  too  stupid  to  perceive  and  too  treacherous  to 
oppose  if  you  did  perceive  them,  is  based  on  a bit- 
ter disappointment  of  your  criminal  designs  thus 
flagrantly  avowed.  You  are  base  enough  to  combine 
with  any  enemy  in  order  to  further  your  own  illegit- 
imate ambition;  and  your  present  associates  are  dis- 


ARRAlGNMEMT  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  JAROSLA^ 


259 


loyal  enough  to  promote  your  schemes  in  return  for 
treasonable  concessions  to  their  insidious  and  usurped 
authority.  They  do  with  you  as  they  have  done  in 
all  lands.  They  promise  their  aid  in  order  to  ride  into 
power  by  your  means,  only  to  secure  v/ithin  the  king- 
dom a more  perfidious  and  insinuating  pretense  than 
formerly  they  dared  assert.  But  Bohemia  knows 
her  right;  her  heart  is  still  sound,  although  her  hand 
is  feeble;  and  never  shall  the  unshaken  resolution 
of  this  land  stoop  before  the  foul  machinations  of  an 
alien  intruder  and  a bastard  ” 

‘‘To  me,”  added  Nicolas  Jaroslav,  “the  facts  are 
known;  I registered  and  recorded  them;  and  I avow 
the  absolute  innocence  of  the  Lord  Zawis  in  that 
much  repeated  matter  of  the  fifty  thousand  marks. 
I did  preserve  the  original  grant  by  King  Otakar  to 
his  Queen  Kunigunde,  It  has  for  the  present  dis- 
appeared; but  I warn  the  duke  of  Troppau,  that 
the  perpetrator  of  that  treason  and  that  robbery  shall 
yet  be  revealed,  to  his  infinite  shame  and  confusion.” 

Here  Benes  of  Wartenberg  interposed;  and  at  his 
instance  a secret  consultation  took  place  Conster- 
nation seemed  to  possess  the  assembly.  Tobias  only 
preserved  a serene  countenance.  At  length  Benes 
said:  “Intelligence  of  a very  startling  character  has 
arrived  from  Eger  The  king  seeks  from  the  emperor 
formal  confirmation  in  all  his  lands  and  kingdoms. 
Very  serious  representations  have  been  made  to  the 
emperor  that  some  informalities  are  observable  in 
the  records  of  the  late  king's  marriage  with  Queen 
Kunigunde. 


2(>0  ARRAIGNMENT  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  JAROSLA^ 

“The  emperor  desires  that  all  records  of  the  event 
shall  be  at  once  presented  to  him  by  the  hand  if 
possible  of  the  notarius  who  engrossed  and  certified 
to  them.  He  does  not  require  the  presence  of  the 
attesting  lords.  I believe  that  Nicolas  Jaroslav  is  the 
person  in  question.  He  will  therefore  be  permitted 
to  depart  under  guard  with  such  records  as  the 
king  requires. 

Nicolas  at  once  selected  the  documents  in  ques- 
tion; and  set  forth  on  his  journey  to  Eger. 

Arrived  at  this  place,  where  Rudolph  waited  with 
great  impatience,  Nicolas  was  instantly  ushered  into 
the  imperial  presence. 

“Representations  have  been  made  to  me,’’  said 
Rudolph,  “that  certain  informalities  have  been  dis- 
covered in  the  proceedings  recorded  of  the  marriage 
of  the  late  king  and  the  Queen  Kunigunde.  I be- 
lieve that  Bishop  Tobias  and  the  duke  of  Trop- 
pau  are  mistaken.  But  I feel  compelled,  in  presence* 
of  the  embarrassing  condition  of  affairs  that  should 
result  should  these  statements  prove  true,  to  make 
an  investigation.”  Rudolph  examined  the  documents, 
received  the  sworn  answers  and  explanations  as  to 
the  professed  technicalities  of  Nicolas,  and  concluded 
by  an  impatient  exclamation:  “I  have  a new  meaning 
of  my  often  repeated  maxim,  ‘Suurn  cuique,’and 
that  is  that  a bishop,  and  an  ambitious  intriguer,  if 
he  happens  to  belong  to  the  wrong  side  of  the 
house,  will  each  exhibit  his  professional  and  special 
peculiarities,  and  make  mischief  according  to  his  own 
devices.” 


ARRAIGNMENT  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  JAROSLAF 


261 


Wenzel  received  his  investiture;  and  could  do  no 
less  than  not  only  liberate  Nicolas, but  confer  on  him 
a continuance  of  his  official  position  of  notarius  in 
the  palace. 

Zawis  returned  to  his  dungeon.  Here  he  enter- 
tained his  weary  hours  with  such  solace  as  his  am- 
ple store  of  mental  wealth  and  companionship  could 
confer. 

According  to  the  custom  of  the  time,  he  had  culti- 
vated something  of  the  art  of  the  troubadour;  and 
the  walls  of  his  dungeon  long  presented  the  results 
of  his  meditations,  in  compositions  that  associated 
his  name  with  the  familiar  poesy  of  the  day  in  Mo- 
ravia. Among  others  the  following  lines  testify  to 
his  taste  and  philosophy: 


TRUTH  AND  FALSEHOOD. 

Moravian  mountains  knew  my  tread 
In  youth,  at  dawning  day, 

As  through  the  dewy  glades  I sped 
Where  stags  in  covert  lay; 

And  coursing  vein  and  freshening  morn 
Inspired  the  glad  career, 

While  eager  steed  and  sounding  horn 
Quickened  the  bounding  deer. 

The  mellow  light  within  my  eye, 

And  breeze  that  thrilled  my  frame, 
Filled  me  with  life  from  that  good  sky 
Whence  conscious  gladness  came; 

And  I felt  one  before  the  day 

With  beauteous  things  that  grew; 

I breathed  the  same  glad  breath  as  they, 
All  constant,  good,  and  true. 


263 


ARRAIGNMENT  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  JAROSLA^ 


Softly  as  plays  the  genial  sun 
In  warmth  within  the  tree, 

Imparting  motioned  life  begun 
In  starry  coursings  free, 

And  spreads  through  branch  and  blushing  spray 
The  essences  they  know, 

That  mingle  heaven’s  own  tinting  ray 
In  blossoms’  lustrous  glow: — 

Thus  gently  through  my  sentient  soul, 

Inspiring  vernal  youth, 

Beamed  the  full  meaning  of  the  whole, 

Its  oneness  and  its  truth. 

Bird,  blade,  each  clung  in  conscious  grace 
To  its  own  sameness  there; 

The  aurochs, — grandest  of  his  race; 

The  elk  within  his  lair. 

That  unity  of  guiding  mind 

Which  moves  through  every  line 
Fixed  an  impress  of  equal  kind 
Within  and  moulded  mine. 

A rent,  a break  distressed  my  sight; — 

A gaping  wound  laid  bare; — 

A dark  streak  in  a vision  bright. 

Else  all  conjoined  and  fair. 

Thus  truth  found  nurture  in  my  soul, 

Sourced  in  that  unity 
That  moved  it  with  a grand  control 
And  blent  all  life  with  me. 

Truth  is  that  essence  all  divine 
By  whose  ete  rnal  flow 
The  flowers  bloom,  the  planets  shine, 

Man  lives  and  speaks  below. 

A falsehood  is  a crumbling  stone, 

A fissure  in  the  wall; 

A limb  torn  from  the  fairest  grown 
Most  graceful  tree  of  all; 


ARRAIGNMENT  OF  ZAIVIS  AND  JAROSLAF 


263 


A pang  that  wrings  in  ceaseless  pain; 

A wound  that  will  not  heal; 

A fractured  link  in  life’s  bright  chain 
That  tearful  eyes  reveal. 

A falsehood  is  the  coward  heart 
That  hides  the  grace  it  feels. 

A falsehood  works  the  tyrant’s  part; — 
To  dungeon’s  night  appeals. 

In  the  strong  honor  of  my  trust 
A falsehood  bound  me  here; 

But  the  firm  truth  within  me  must 
In  heaven’s  fixed  light  appear. 

And  that  poor  pittance  that  she  gave — 
Loved  Kunigunde  lost — 

Tells  mother  s foresight  from  her  grave, 
Though  rueful  now  the  cost. 

Yet  even  here  each  word  from  me 
Must  speak  high  truth  alone; — 

That  gift  her  prince’s  grace  and  free, 
In  love’s  glad  day  her  own. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


ALARM  AT  FURSTENBERG.  MISSION  TO  WENZEL. 

During  the  period  immediately  preceding  and 
following  the  departure  of  Zawis,  Lady  Ludmila  dis- 
charged the  duties  of  the  household  at  Fiirstenberg 
with  more  than  ordinary  grace  and  dignity.  A 
queenly  deportment,  and  possibly  a consciousness  of 
personal  pre-eminence  in  stateliness, characterized  all 
her  movements.  Not  a step  could  be  heard  as  she 
approached,  and  yet  she  always  contrived  to  an- 
nounce her  coming;  no  bold  advance  marked  her 
presence.  Only  the  rustle  of  silk  indicated  her  prog- 
ress. Tall  and  majestic  Lady  Ludmila  did  not  seem 
to  walk.  She  moved  as  if  her  person  obeyed  one 
impulse,  and  with  an  active  unity  of  progression  her 
place  was  changed.  A smile,  a graciousness  for  all; 
an  order  of  method  that  told  of  system  well  arranged; 
a clear, specific  statement  that  indicated  precision  of 
thought,  all  rendered  her  task  seemingly  facile  and 
light,  and  proffered  to  each  a special  courtesy  and 
attention.  Witek,  and  Wok,  and  Drda  received 
the  sturdy  visitors,  and  distributed  themselves  among 
the  guests  of  all  degrees;  and  each  felt  himself  of  as 
much  importance  and  the  object  of  as  much  affabil- 
ity as  any  other  in  that  equal  company.  Squire  and 

?64 


ALARM  AT  FURSTENBERG.  MISSION  TO  IVENZEL  265 


peasant  quaffed  the  same  vintage  of  wine,  and  the 
same  brimming  beer.  To  all  Lady  Ludmifa  distribut- 
ed pleasant  compliments  with  impartiality;  yet  un- 
usually keen  observers  did  detect  a watchfulness  for 
Lord  Drda's  comfort,  a confidence  of  phraseology, 
and  a willingness  to  confer  light  commissions  that 
betokened  an  interest  not  the  less  because  not  ob- 
vious or  avowed.  His  wax  light  found  its  place  with 
strict  regularity;  a flower  graced  his  chamber;  and 
a water  pitcher  ever  replenished  intimated  a larger  in- 
terest in  his  personal  welfare  than  the  attention  itself 
announced. 

In  the  midst  of  all  this  confidence  and  joy  the 
'dreadful  intelligence  arrived  from  Prague; — the  lord 
of  the  castle  and  its  dependent  castles,  the  center  of 
all  this  honor  and  congratulation,  suddenly  and  with 
brutal  violence  beaten  down  and  flung  into  a dun- 
geon, at  the  instant  when  his  loyal  heart  entrusted 
his  person,  wholly  unattended,  to  the  honor  of  his 
prince,  and  his  liege  homage  spoke  eloquently  in  the 
graceful  gift  of  affectionate  courtesy  to  his  sovereign’s 
queen!  Men  felt  stunned  with  overpowering  indig- 
nation. Wrath,  fury,  and  then  suppressed  resent- 
ment occupied  all  minds.  The  best  lord  in  Bohemia, 
and  the  greatest;  the  noblest  heart  and  most  devoted 
subject ; the  greatest  councilor,  and  most  illustrious 
and  successful  statesman  ; the  truest  knight  and  most 
honorable  upholder  of  Bohemian  chivalry,  with 
ineffable  baseness  entrapped  by  an  appeal  to  his 
own  honor,  and  insidiously  made  the  victim  of  royal 
duplicity  by  his  own  loyal  trustfulness!  Worse  than 


2(36  ALARM  AT  FURSTENBERG.  MISSION  TO  H^ENZEL 


this  in  relation  to  the  patriotic  feelings  of  all  the  in- 
dignant company,  the  instructed  wisdom  that  had 
restored  Bohemia  from  prostration  to  comparative 
prosperity,  the  wholesome  knowledge  that  promised 
to  elevate  the  land  in  scientific  industry  and  wealth, 
the  practical  education  that  gave  life  and  direction 
to  aptitude  and  skill,  all  denounced  with  malignant 
abhorrence  as  magic  and  the  diabolism  of  the  great 
fiend,  appealed  to  righteous  resentment,  and  created 
a loathing,  a contempt  for  the  new  spirit  which  had 
invaded  the  palace  of  Bohemia  that  demonstrated 
an  established  divergence  between  the  people  and 
the  deluded  prince.  Necessarily  the  first  impulse 
turned  towards  gates,  and  walls,  and  barriers.' 
Witek,  a rugged  soldier  more  than  a statesman,  and 
Wok,  a cadet  of  the  house  and  obeying  the  orders  of 
his  elders,  at  once  visited  the  outposts,  and  sum- 
moned warders  and  retainers  to  the  ramparts  and 
drawbridges.  Drda  took  his  place  where  ordered, 
and  soon  the  danger  of  surprise  had  passed.  Stones 
were  collected,  weapons  examined,  and  missiles 
placed  in  readiness.  Visitors  quickly  departed,  each 
diffusing  a vague  sense  of  danger,  none  able  to  divine 
what  might  happen  first.  All  preparations  indicated 
a resolute  resistance. 

Ere  the  closing  of  the  gates,  and  with  the  departure 
of  the  most  reluctant  guests,  glided  forth  in  the 
gloom  the  dark  figure  of  a veiled  woman,  whose  pres- 
ence had  been  scarcely  heeded  in  the  throng  and  the 
gaiety.  Quickly  now  she  sped  away,  and  hid  herself 
in  the  night. 


ALARM  AT  FURSTENBERG.  MISSION  TO  IVENZEL  2G7 

Ere  long  a summons  of  surrender  reached  Fiirs- 
tenbeig.  It  contained  a menace  of  the  most  rigor- 
ous punishment  to  be  visited  on  all  who  should  ven- 
ture to  resist  the  king's  troops. 

The  commander  of  the  party  also  intimated  that 
an  imperial  force  had  been  dispatched  in  aid  of  the 
king;  and  formally  required  Witek  to  surrender  all 
garrisons  and  castles  under  threat  of  the  direst  pen- 
alties already  decided  against  their  master  in  case  of 
delay.  He  also  declared  that  unconditional  sur- 
render alone  could  release  Zawis  from  the  dreadful 
doom  awaiting  him  in  case  of  hesitation.  “You  will 
see  him  severed  in  pieces  before  your  walls,''  said 
the  amiable  officer,  “if  you  attempt  to  fight;  and 
your  only  hope  of  seeing  him  again  in  freedom,  and 
in  his  place,  is  to  submit  to  the  king’s  mercy." 

Necessarily  consultations  followed.  Long  debates 
and  divided  sentiment  distracted  every  garrison.  In 
the  dreadful  alternative  before  them  every  soldier 
received  a welcome  to  express  his  thoughts;  every 
retainer  enjoyed  the  right  to  elicit  the  best  counsel 
by  interposing  his  own  sentiment.  The  fatal  ab- 
sence of  the  one  mind  whom  all  would  have  obeyed 
to  the  death,  the  disposition  to  look  to  that  source 
alone,  both  from  confidence  and  from  habit,  at 
length  turned  the  course  of  debate  to  the  question: 
“What  would  Zawis  himself  have  done  in  such  a 
conjuncture.?" 

“I  know,"  said  Witek, “my  brother’s  face  has  never 
turned  from  his  foe,  and  his  hand  has  never  failed 
when  an  enemy  came  before  him. 


268  ALARM  AT  FURSTENBERG.  MISSIO^^  TO  IVENZEL 

“He  never  provoked  a quarrel, nor  threw  down  a de- 
fiance without  deliberation.  No  wanton  hostility 
ever  showed  itself  in  his  temper;  and  no  treachery 
or  cruelty  ever  stained  his  knighthood.  Were  he 
now  present,  I believe  he  would  undauntedly  accept 
this  challenge. 

“My  judgment  is  that  we  resist  to  the  last;  and  if 
we  must  fall,  let  us  fall  as  men  who  feel  that  their 
soldier’s  honor  is  more  sacred  to  them  than  all  else.” 

“My  judgment,”  said  Wok,  “corresponds  with  that 
of  my  brother.  We  must  consider,  however,  that 
now  it  is  not  only  the  king  but  the  empire  that  con- 
fronts us.  I do  not  believe  that  any  concession, 
and  especially  any  weakness,  will  procure  for  our 
brother  the  least  relaxation.  I am  sure  he  would 
never  counsel  us  to  consider  him,  but  to  sustain  the 
honor  of  his  house.  His  fate  is  already  decided. 
Those  who  could  abandon  honor,  degrade  the  name 
of  hospitality,  abjure  truth,  and  conspire  to  betray, 
can  also  send  to  us  deceitful  messages  and  perjured 
promises.  This  offer,  in  terms  indirect,  of  freedom 
to  our  brother  contains  no  stipulation,  and  is  only 
another  snare  intended  to  deceive  us.  No  consider- 
ation of  dignity  or  good  faith  can  be  expected  from 
those  who  now  compose  the  king’s  council.  The 
palace  has  become  a den  of  infamy;  the  wisdom  that 
restored  Bohemia  is  denounced,  by  a contemptible 
superstition,  as  magic;  and  the  honor  we  did  the 
Austrian  woman  only  elicits  the  depraved  spirit  that 
now  corrupts  the  palace  of  the  Premysls.  Our  only 
hope  is  in  our  hands;  and  by  our  swords  alone  can 
we  expect  any  terms  from  our  enemies.” 


ALARM  AT  FURSTENBERG.  MISSION  TO  JVENZEL  2G9 


The  garrisons  of  the  different  castles,  Furstenberg, 
Landskron,  Landsberg,  Hluboka,  gradually  consti- 
tuted themselves  into  separate  councils.  Wide  di- 
versity of  sentiment  arose.  Witek  visited  each  in 
turn;  and  around  him  gathered  the  more  resolute, 
and  the  more  indignant.  Self-interest  prevailed  with 
some;  and  temporizing  controlled  others. 

As  soon  as  Witek  had  departed  from  each  fortress 
the  division  of  opinion  created  numerous  small 
parties,  each  clamorous  for  its  own  proposal ; and  these 
again  subdivided  into  individuals  who  held  strongly 
to  their  several  sentiments  with  that  centrifugal  tem- 
per so  strongly  characteristic  of  the  Bohemian  peo- 
ple. That  individualist  and  independent  spirit,  which 
made  the  nation  the  first  reformers  in  Europe,  and 
has  longest  and  most  persistently  asserted  the  right 
of  private  judgment,  and  must  do  so  because  such 
tendency  is  inherent  in  their  nature  and  cannot  be 
eradicated,  on  the  present  occasion,  as  on  many 
others,  exposed  the  united  cause  to  ruinous  pros^ 
tration.  Well  did  the  Duke  of  Troppau  understand 
his  countrymen  when  he  presented  to  them  the  double 
source  of  discord,  an  offer  of  compromise,  and  an 
appeal  to  their  nationalist  sentiment  as  embodied  in 
one  chieftain,  adulterated  by  a provocation  of  per- 
sonal self-appreciation.  Never  yet  have  the  Bo- 
hemians failed  in  exhibiting  their  dislike  of  one-man 
government;  and  never,  accordingly,  have  they  ad- 
hered to  any  one  leader,  even  when  that  one  com- 
bined in  himself  all  that  human  excellence  could 
present.  They  have  had  such  on  many  occasions; 


270  ALARM  AT  FURSTENBERG.  MlSSlOht  TO  U/ENZEL 


and  never  did  they  disavow  their  own  individualism 
in  presence  of  the  best  leader  in  the  best  cause.  Only 
two  men  have  succeeded  in  combining  the  enthusi- 
asm and  the  self-forgetfulness  of  the  Bohemians; 
and  those  two  had  not  arisen  when  the  fate  of  the 
Lord  Zawis’  castles  depended  on  unanimity. 

Cohesiveness  as  a nation  had  not  yet  been  estab- 
lished among  them.  They  were  still  subjects  of  a 
dynasty,  and  their  habits  of  thought  corresponded 
to  that  condition. 

Much  discussion,  some  dissension,  left  the  chief 
garrisons  undecided.  The  bolder  spirits  under  Wi- 
tek.  Wok,  Drda,  resolved  to  defy  their  foes;  and 
for  this  purpose  they  selected  Witek’s  fortress  of 
Hluboka,  where  his  personal  authority  commanded 
absolute  discipline,  as  the  scene  of  their  final  chal- 
lenge. 

At  this  juncture  Solomon  arrived  and  learned  the 
condition  of  affairs.  He  at  once  volunteered  his 
services  as  mediator  before  the  court  at  Prague. 

Through  some  mysterious  channel  Duke  Nicolas 
acquired  intimate  information  of  the  internal  status 
at  Fiirstenberg.  He  learned  its  provisions,  its  garri- 
sons, its  divided  sentiment, the  names  of  the  visitors, 
and  their  expressed  abhorrence  of  his  treachery.  The 
king  and  queen  evoked  little  but  a sentiment  of  con- 
tempt, as  being  merely  the  ignorant  dupes  of  crafty 
councilors.  But  Nicolas  had  been  brought  up  a Bo- 
hemian in  Bohemia.  He  had  not,  however, received 
intimation  of  the  arrival  there  of  Solomon,  and  of 
Lord  Boppo  and  Prokop. 


ALARM  AT  FURSTENBERG.  MISSION  TO  IVENZEL  271 


Nicolas  had  hitherto  acted  in  the  name  of  King 
Wenzel;  and  the  meeting  of  these  three  persons 
changed  his  pDsition  completely.  It  had  been  the  pol- 
icy of  Rudolph  and  Queen  Judith  to  impose  the  entire 
responsibility  for  proposed  violence  against  Zawis  on 
the  native  dynasty.  Wenzel  had  now,  however, reach- 
ed an  age  when  his  personality  had  acquired  some 
maturity,  and  insight  into  men’s  motives.  He  knew 
also  that  the  emperor’s  life  drevi  to  a close;  and  he 
possessed  in  himself  sufficient  of  the  Premysl  to  feel 
a strong  throb  of  individuality. 

Boppo’s  presence  inspired  resolution  at  Fursten- 
berg. 

“By  a strange  coincidence,’^  he  said,  “three  per- 
sons have  met  here  at  this  juncture  who  individually 
represent  the  principal  phases  of  Bohemian  social 
constituents.  Perhaps  I may  be  permitted  to  say 
that  I, in  some  measure,  embody  the  military  element, 
and  the  tone  and  sentiment  that  characterized  it. 
Like  myself,  I fear  the  old  knighthood  of  Bohemia 
is  passing  away.  In  its  place  we  seem  to  have  in- 
troduced a deceitful  imitation  of  soldierhood  that 
adopts  the  nomenclature  of  military  rank,  and  in- 
cites others  to  perform  acts  of  cold  vengeance  un- 
mingled with  any  of  the  chivalry  or  forbearance  of 
a soldier,  or  any  of  the  admiration  for  the  valor  of 
an  adversary  that  a soldier  is  always  proud  to  ac- 
knowledge. Our  knighthood  is  being  converted  to 
the  abhorrent  purpose  of  being  executioner  of  decrees 
passed  without  its  concurrence,  on  persons  deserv- 
ing of  its  respect. 


272  ALARM  AT  FURSTENBERG.  MISSION  TO  IVENZEL 


“My  statesman  friend, the  learned  Rabbi  ben  Gerson, 
now  in  large  measure  represents  the  unrestricted  as- 
sociations of  Bohemian  enterprise  with  all  nationali- 
ties, especially  to  the  east  and  south.  The  new  in- 
road from  the  west  threatens  to  alter  these  relations 
and  circumscribe  the  political  as  well  as  the  com- 
mercial conditions  in  the  future. 

“My  respected  and  reverend  friend  Prokop  em- 
bodies the  growth  of  thought  that  has  marked  Bo- 
hemia during  four  centuries;  and  is  being  rapidly 
effaced  and  obscured,  but  not  eradicated,  by  new 
western  dogmas  and  tendencies. 

“Unitedly  we  represent  the  Bohemia  of  the  past. 
But  if  an  old  man’s  long  experience  and  observation 
are  of  value,  neither  the  one  nor  the  other,  nor  yet 
the  third  can  continue  darkened  or  extinguished. 
The  native  heart  of  Bohemia  will  assert  itself;  and 
the  generosity  of  soldierhood  will  exhibit  manliness 
under  heroes  of  Bohemian  race,  after  the  present 
sudden  violence  shall  have  allowed  time  to  Bohe- 
mian manhood  to  recover.  A wider  sphere  of  influ- 
ence shall  center  in  Bohemia;  and  men  shall  again 
look  to  it  as  the  inspirer  of  mind  and  hope. 

“Last  of  all, the  free  intelligence  and  right  of  inves- 
tigation, of  research,  and  of  judgment  will  reas- 
sert its  native  force,  and  Bohemian  thought  shall 
lead  the  van  in  the  reformation  of  the  world.  I see 
this  by  necessary  inference  from  the  past;  for  you 
can  not  change  the  essentials  of  national  inherent 
qualities. 

“Permit  me  to  suggest  that  we  proceed  as  a depu- 


ALARM  AT  FURSTBNBBRG.  MISSION  TO  IVBNZEL  273 


tation  to  the  king’s  court.  If  I am  rightly  advised 
the  present  proceedings  are  not  of  the  king's  sug- 
gestion. We  may  at  least  release  his  name  from 
complicity  in  this  envenomed  crime.” 

The  approach  of  these  remarkable  persons,  each 
in  his  own  peculiarity  a representative  of  Bohemia, 
created  much  attention,  and  some  excitement.  Wen- 
zel, hearing  of  this  singular  deputation  through  Jar- 
oslav,  and  Ulrich,  his  father’s  former  secretary,  or- 
dered the  immediate  admission  of  the  embassadors. 
The  guard, notified  of  Lord  Boppo’s  grand  character, 
exhibited  every  mark  of  military  respect. 

“It  is  probable  that  your  highness  does  not  re- 
member me  personally,”  observed  Boppo.  “I  am 
changed  from  what  I was  when  I carried  your 
highness  on  my  saddle  bow,  when  the  rough- 
ness of  tracks,  and  the  weariness  of  travel  rendered 
a tedious  and  hasty  journey  especially  wearisome  to 
a child  of  ten  years.  Your  highness  may  not  remem- 
ber when  I supplied  needed  refreshments  often  ne- 
glected even  to  the  denial  of  absolute  necessaries  of 
life.  Your  highness  may  not  recall  the  introduction 
of  young  companions  to  break  the  neglectful  monot- 
ony of  an  abode  practically  a captivity.  Perhaps  I 
may  add,  and  I doubt  not  with  some  truth,  that  to 
such  attentions  your  highness  owes  your  throne,  to- 
gether with  your  life.  I had  never  anticipated  such 
requital  as  I fear  I must  now  experience;  I solicit  the 
only  recognition  I have  ever  suggested,  the  full  re- 
lease of  the  most  gallant  knight  and  the  truest  liege 
subject  in  your  highness’  dominions.” 


m ALARM  at  FURSTBNBERG.  MISSION  TO  DENZEL 


“Your  highness  may  not  be  aware/^  said  Solomon, 
“that  since  the  last  unhappy  effort  of  your  illustrious 
father,  large  sums  are  due  to  members  of  my  nation 
at  Briinn,  Olmiitz,  and  also  in  Hungary.  These 
claims  have  not  been  pressed,  as  we  know  the 
exhausted  condition  of  Bohemia.  They  form  now 
a serious  demand  which  the  Hungarian  court  has 
promised  to  enforce,  all  the  more  rigorously  as 
the  lady  Judith  expects  of  her  brother  vengeance 
for  the  dreadful  injuries  committed  against  her. 
I am  authorized  to  grant  acquittance  of  these  claims 
on  the  same  terms  suggested  by  my  lord  of  Osterna.’’ 

“Your  highness  certainly  does  not  recall  the  fact,’^ 
remarked  Prokop,  “and  I believe  it  has  been  studi- 
ously concealed,  that  as  the  honored  and  lamented 
Queen  Kunigunde’s  chaplain  I administered  the  rite 
of  baptism  that  admitted  the  heir  to  the  Bohemian 
throne  into  the  church.  Your  highness,  however,  is 
aware  that  the  lamented  queen,  your  royal  mother, 
as  a Russian  princess,  favored  the  Greek  communion, 
and  largely  aided  in  promoting  sympathy  with  that 
expression  of  our  faith  throughout  Bohemia.  Her 
highness’  almost  sudden  demise  deprived  your  royal 
mind  of  that  affection,  and  that  wise  statesmanship 
that  at  once  formed  the  solace  of  your  life,  and  the 
power  of  your  throne. 

With  much  difficulty  could  Wenzel  reply  to  these 
addresses.  His  heart  was  profoundly  touched;  and 
with  an  evident  feeling  of  intense  remorse,  as  well 
as  of  his  personal  subjection, he  replied  with  emotion, 
“I  am  not  the  author  of  these  proceedings.  I would 


ALARM  AT  FURSTENBERG.  MISSION  TO  IVENZEL  275 


gladly  do  myself  the  pleasure  of  acceding  to  the  re* 
quest  you  honor  me  with.  To  my  extreme  regret,  the 
necessary  orders  have  been  issued.  The  imperial 
troops  are  even  now  on  their  march  under  imperial 
authority;  and  I would  even  at  this  late  moment  re- 
call my  own  forces  if  it  were  possible.  This  day  is 
not  the  least  bitter  of  all  my  bitter  days.  I have 
long  suspected  that  the  whole  truth  was  not  told  to 
me;  and  I fear  I shall  learn  it  only  when  too  late. 
To  you,  my  Lord  Boppo,  and  to  you,  gentlemen,  I 
return  most  respectful  thanks.  I would  most  gladly 
accede  to  your  wishes  as  my  most  grateful  acknowl- 
edgment.” 

The  deputation  noticed  the  king’s  evident  embar- 
rassment and  grief;  and  with  profound  sympathy 
they  courteously  withdrew. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


MURDER  OF  ZAWIS  BEFORE  HLUBOKA. 

Wenzel  dispatched  Jaroslav  to  Fiirstenberg  with 
instructions  to  observe  and  report  the  proceedings 
around  that  fortress.  With  Jaroslav  and  a few  others, 
— close  relations  of  persons  in  the  same  neighbor- 
hood— departed  also  several  women;  and  the  com- 
pany soon  rejoined  Lord  Boppo  and  his  party.  Ap- 
proaching Furstenberg, several  of  these  persons  pur- 
posely fell  to  the  rear  and  disappeared.  As  they 
neared  the  fortress  all  eyes  gazed  on  a dreadful 
scene. 

In  presence  of  the  garrison  who  still  held  gates 
closed,  and  in  fact  all  access  barred,  a number  of 
ballistae  for  the  discharge  of  stone  had  been  drawn 
up.  Breastworks  for  the  partial  protection  of  bow- 
men sharpshooters  had  been  erected.  Seeing  these 
preparations, the  garrison  hurled  a defiance.  On  ob- 
serving this  proceeding,  and  expecting  immediate 
hostilities,  Duke  Nicolas  ordered  a special  guard  to 
produce  the  wasted  but  still  defiant  person  of  Lord 
Zawis,  to  be  fastened  to  a stake  in  the  immediate 
front  of  the  chief  center  of  attack.  A shout  of  rage, 
and  the  confusion  of  irresolution  at  once  checked 

the  operations  of  the  defenders. 

276 


MURDER  OF  ZAJVIS  BEFORE  HLUBOKA 


277 


‘‘Pay  no  heed  to  me,’’  loudly  exclaimed  Zawis  to 
his  followers-  but  his  cry  seemed  not  to  have  reached 
their  hearing.  Again  and  again  he  loudly  exhorted 
his  men  to  do  their  duty;  and  arrows  on  both  sides 
fell  around. 

Hereupon  Nicolas  placed  Zawis  in  the  immediate 
front  of  the  most  advanced  ballista.  Here  a stone  from 
the  walls  crashed  through  the  engine,  striking  splin- 
ters into  the  face  of  the  exposed  prisoner.  “Not  by 
our  hands  shall  he  die,”  exclaimed  his  men.  “We  will 
forfeit  our  own  lives  first,”  A parley  succeeded  and 
the  garrison  accepted  terms,  more  favorable  than 
they  expected,  as  an  encouragement  to  the  others  to 
surrender. 

A similar  exposure  of  the  unflinching  captive  oppo- 
site the  walls  of  Landskron  and  Landsberg  produced 
a repetition  of  the  same  scene,  with  like  results. 

Having  thus  far  succeeded,  Nicolas  next  advanced 
against  Hluboka.  Here  he  published  a proclamation 
offering  terms  to  all  except  Witek,  Wok,  Drda, 
Boppo,  and  Solomon. 

Within  the  fortress,  accordingly,  the  menaced  per- 
sons at  once  took  refuge.  With  them  entered  a few 
others  long  associated  with  the  household.  To  this 
proclamation  Witek  hurled  a defiance  in  the  form  of 
a huge  stone  cast  from  the  weightiest  ballista  on  his 
wall. 

Here  had  now  assembled  the  last  of  the  house  of 
Fiirstenberg,  Witek,  Wok,  Lady  Ludmila,  together 
with  Boppo,  Solomon,  Prokop,  Agaphia  Brszava, 
Sambor,  Milada,  and  the  strongest  garrison  the  place 
could  accommodate. 


278 


MURDER  OF  ZAJVIS  BEFORE  HLUBOKA 


The  men  manned  the  walls  and  the  women  stood 
near  to  furnish  fresh  arrows,  water,  and  sometimes 
stone,  boiling  water,  and  bundles  of  rags  steeped  in 
oil  and  then  set  on  fire. 

Again  and  again  the  assailants  attempted  escalade 
and  were  beaten  back.  Stones,  arrows  flew,  and 
men  on  both  sides  fell  rapidly.  On  the  second  day 
Drda  fell  from  a blow  of  a stone  that  bruised  his 
shoulder  violently.  Instantly  Lady  Ludmila  knelt 
on  the  bloody  rampart  at  his  side.  Cheering  him  up 
with  affectionately  soothing  words,  with  the  aid  of 
a stout  retainer  she  bore  him  to  a shelter;  and  as 
he  fainted  from  the  shock  she  stooped  and  kissed 
him  again  and  again;  and  raised  his  head,  and  gave 
him  strong  restoratives;  and  only  left  his  side  when 
the  wounds  had  been  bathed  and  bound,  and  he  lay 
conscious  but  motionless  on  the  soldier’s  straw  bed 
that  her  hands  had  smoothed  and  softened. 

Gallantly  did  the  defenders  repel  every  attack,  and 
the  assailants  seemed  unequal  to  the  reduction  of  the 
fortress. 

On  the  fourth  day  Nicolas  exposed  his  still  defiant 
victim  on  the  most  conspicuous  elevation  whence  the 
attack  proceeded.  Even  this  maneuver  failed  to 
check  the  storm  from  the  wall,  or  diminish  the  reso- 
lution of  the  garrison. 

Wenzel  himself  entered  the  besiegers’  camp;  and 
perceiving  the  current  of  events,  and  finding  himself 
not  in  fact  the  real  commander,  allowed  Duke  Nico- 
las to  proceed  with  Zawis  according  to  his  pleasure. 

Then  with  ostentatious  purpose  Nicolas  ordered 


MURDER  OF  ZAIVIS  BEFORE  HLUBOKA 


279 


prepared  a solid  block  of  oak.  This  instrument  he 
directed  to  be  beveled  down  at  one  side  until  it  formed 
a sharpened  edge.  Hardening  this  wooden  knife 
in  fire  and  setting  it  between  two  upright  grooved 
posts,  forming  a sort  of  guillotine,  Nicolas  placed 
Zawis,  bound  to  a plank  underneath,  so  that  his  neck 
lay  under  the  wooden  knife  raised  up  and  weighted 
with  stone.  Then  raising  a shout,  the  assailants 
pointed  to  the  rude  scaffold,  and  tauntingly  re- 
proached the  garrison  with  the  murder  of  their  mas- 
ter. A shower  of  stones  and  arrows  answered;  and 
Nicolas  giving  the  order,  the  wooden  knife  descended, 
and  with  a horrid, jagged  gash  tore,  rather  than  cut, 
the  noble  head  of  Lord  Zawis  from  his  body. 

A pause  intervened  as  the  defenders  stood  ago- 
nized with  the  dreadful  butchery.  Siege  operations 
temporarily  ceased  and  even  a few  of  the  garrison 
ventured  outside  during  the  necessary  burial  of  the 
dead.  Among  others  Sambor  went  forth  to  inquire 
after  former  comrades.  His  good  will  towards  Nic- 
olas had  not  been  augmented  by  the  refusal  of  prom- 
ised promotion  when  the  opportunity  came  round. 
Among  the  dead  lay  two  women,  one  closely  veiled, 
her  face  wholly  crushed  by  a stone,  and  unrecogniz- 
able. Nicolas,  attracted  by  the  report  of  the  occur- 
rence, repaired  to  the  spot. 

Sambor  stood  there  among  the  soldiers. 

“Can  any  person  declare  who  that  woman  was.^^’^ 
asked  Nicolas. 

As  yet  no  reply. 

“I  offer  a reward  and  promotion  to  any  one  who 
can  tell  who  that  woman  was.’’ 


280 


MURDER  OF  ZAJVIS  BEFORE  HLUBOKA 


Then  Sambor  stepped  forward;  “I  accept  the 
offer/^  he  said,  ‘‘if  you  will  add  to  it  a safe  conduct 
from  this  place  and  from  hence  forward,  in  presence 
of  these  witnesses.’^ 

“I  accept  the  conditions,’’  replied  Nicolas. 

“Then,”  said  Sambor,  “the  woman  who  lies  there, 
crushed  and  a bloody  corpse,  was  your  own  mother! 
And  as  surely  as  Lord  Zawis  has  met  his  death,  as 
you  say,  by  the  hands  of  his  own  men,  so  surely  has 
your  mother  met  this  fearful  fate  by  your  treachery 
and  violence.” 

Nicolas  turned  away,  and  departed  covered  with 
ignominy.  Stout  hands  raised  the  remains  of  the 
dead  women;  and  Sambor  contrived  to  withdraw,  no 
difficult  albeit  a bloody  task  now,  the  golden  key  and 
chain  that  hung  around  the  neck  of  one  of  them. 

Returning  to  the  fortress,  Sambor  sought  Agaphia, 
and  handed  her  the  still  bloody  trophy.  “I  promised 
you  that,”  he  said.  “Take  it.  But  I impose  no 
conditions.  I cannot  look  upon  a woman’s  face  with- 
out recalling  the  horrible  scene  I have  witnessed. 
Let  us  part  simply  as  friends.” 

Agaphia,  strangely  wondering,  took  the  gift  and 
laid  it  away  where  only  her  own  hand  could  find  it. 

With  fiercer  fury  than  ever  Nicolas  renewed  the 
fight.  The  strength  of  the  garrison  declined.  The 
assailants  possessed  the  country,  and  reinforcements. 
Witek,  and  Wok,  finding  that  Wenzel’s  presence  ren- 
dered resistance  hopeless,  resolved  to  retire  to  Hun- 
gary, leaving  to  the  garrison  the  terms  of  accommo- 
dation offered.  Nicolas  prepared  beacons  to  illumi- 
nate the  hills  in  case  of  attempted  escape. 


MURDER  OF  ZAIVIS  BEFORE  HLUBOKA 


281 


Solomon  resolved  to  accompany  his  friends.  Bop- 
po  declared  he  would  as  soon  die  in  one  locality  as 
another,  and  as  well  now  as  at  any  time.  Issuing 
from  the  fortress  at  midnight,  the  outlawed  men  gained 
but  a short  distance  when  sentinels  discovered  their 
movement.  A beacon  fire  raised  the  alarm,  but 
blinded  the  eyes  and  intensified  the  shadows.  A 
company  of  fifty  men  assailed  the  fugitives.  Boppo 
set  himself  in  front  and  took  the  first  shock. 

Well  the  old  hero  kept  the  path  until  Witek  and 
Wok  made  good  their  escape.  Falling  at  last,  covered 
with  blood,  the  gallant  knight  shaded  his  face  with 
his  broad  sleeve  and  there,  in  the  midst  of  his  ene- 
mies, breathed  his  last. 

Solomon,  apprehended  mortally  wounded,  lay 
where  he  fell  until  morning;  and  then,  as  the  sun’s 
first  rays  beamed  upon  the  spot,  and  shed  a golden 
glory  upon  his  face,  he  too  yielded  his  spirit,  to 
mingle,  as  he  hoped,  with  the  great  Oneness  of  the 
hereafter. 

To  the  garrison  the  promised  terms  were  harshly 
accorded.  Drda  reached  his  own  domain  in  Mo- 
ravia; and  an  amnesty  at  once  issued  by  Wenzel, 
without  any  exception,  rendered  Drda’s  home  the 
refuge  of  many  of  the  remaining  friends  of  the  mur- 
dered chieftain. 

In  Solomon’s  raiment  was  discovered  a memo- 
randum of  the  recent  events  intended  as  the  basis 
of  a formal  report  to  King  Ladislaus. 

It  stated  the  course  of  the  recent  negotiations, 
and  tragedy  involving  the  death  of  Zawis.  Solomon 


282 


MURDER  OF  ZAWIS  BEFORE  HLUBOKA 


also  had  included  the  representations  laid  before 
Wenzel  to  secure  a revocation  of  his  orders.  It 
closed  by  stating  that  a refusal  on  the  part  of  Wen- 
zel to  accept  the  conditions  offered  having  been 
avoided  by  his  candid  avowal  of  non-complicity 
except  under  duress,  the  guilt  became  transferred  to 
the  court  of  Vienna. 

This  memorandum  contained  statements  of  such 
high  political  importance  at  the  time,  that  it  was 
forwarded  to  Hungary  by  Wenzel’s  direct  order,  with- 
out being  submitted  to  his  Aulic  council. 

Ladislaus  received  this  communication  with  deep 
concern,  and  ordered  its  formal  portions  to  be  read 
to  his  chief  advisers.  The  paper  created  intense 
agitation,  especially  the  following  passage:  “Thus  by 
profound  dissimulation,  the  abandonment  of  that  unity 
whereon  alone  can  states  establish  permanence, 
or  acquire  cohesion  of  their  essential  elements,  has 
the  guilt  of  this  crime  been  transferred  from  the  per- 
sons really  culpable  to  the  crown  of  Bohemia.  Such 
is  the  tendency  of  that  insidious  policy  that  I ob- 
serve is  being  established  in  modern  kingdoms.  The 
royal  power  is  constituted  the  executioner  of  de- 
crees that  it  does  not  formulate,  and  is  rendered  the 
active  oppressor  of  its  own  subjects  by  appeals  to  its 
overstrained  religious  sentiment.  A sensitiveness 
hostile  to  the  ordinary  pursuits  of  men  is  cultivated 
that  mistakes  inquiry  into  nature’s  truths  for  enmity 
to  spiritual  conceptions. 

“The  beneficence  that  supplies  its  myriad  blessings 
to  us  from  the  limitless  store  of  nature’s  sweets  and 


MURDER  OF  ZAmS  BEFORE  HLUBOKA 


283 


essences  is  banished  from  multitudes  whose  exhausted 
strength  is  famished  by  its  loss.  The  nourishment 
that  would  mingle  with  our  constituent  elements,  and 
fill  them  with  life  and  energy,  yielding  health  and 
cheerfulness,  is  brushed  from  hungry  lips,  and  men 
are  consigned  to  want,  and  waste,  and  the  breaking 
down  of  tissues,  decay,  and  disease  and  death.  The 
divine  gifts  implanted  in  herb  and  fruit,  whereof  the 
human  frame  is  but  the  inspissated  combination,  is 
banished  from  its  natural  completion  in  its  application 
to  human  nourishment;  and  the  supernal  virtues  of 
love,  generosity,  justice,  and  purity  that  are  diffused 
through  the  charms  and  the  riches  of  nature,  and 
would  adorn  the  human  soul  if  instilled  through  na- 
ture’s bounties,  are  violently  banished  from  society. 
Thus  cruelty, treachery,  hatred,  and  vicious  destruc- 
tiveness are  being  implanted  in  men’s  hearts  through 
denial  of  the  enrichment  that  would  infuse  tender- 
ness of  feeling  together  with  richness  of  the  blood. 
Poverty  of  the  mind  springs  from  depravation  of  the 
body;  and  so  long  as  men  hate  and  persecute  and 
torture,  and  deaden  the  sensibilities  of  their  frame, 
the  wonder  of  all  creation,  so  long  also  must  they 
inflict  on  themselves  vices  of  the  mind.  As  the 
world  is  filled  with  mortification  of  the  one  it  droops 
and  is  cursed  with  the  depravities  and  vices  of  the 
other.  Virtue  is  generally  good  food,  warmth,  ab- 
sence of  anxiety,  freedom  from  the  despair  in  feelings 
that  spring  from  wasted  and  unhealthy  bodies,  and 
the  consequent  fierce  longings  that  produce  a ten- 
dency in  the  very  flesh  to  reproduce  the  same  con- 


284 


MURDER  OF  ZAWIS  BEFORE  HLUBOKA 


ditions  that  it  sprang  from.  If  the  mass  of  mankind 
in  our  cities  are  not  thus  nurtured  we  must  antici- 
pate only  fierce  animosities  and  contentions.  The 
spirit  of  persecution  that  now  pervades  Europe 
springs  directly  from  the  multiplied  famines,  pesti- 
lences, black  deaths,  and  similar  horrors,  that  have 
at  length  produced  their  natural  result  in  the  feroc- 
ity of  the  human  soul.” 

The  Lady  Judith  and  her  son,  and  the  Lady  Lud- 
mila, and  Agaphia,  Milada  and  other  of  their  former 
co-sufferers  continued  to  reside  in  quietness  at  Fiirs- 
tenberg.  Here  Lord  Drda,  and  Nicolas  Jaroslav, 
and  Sambor  found  always  a ready  welcome.  Grad- 
ually the  soothing  alleviation  of  time  replaced  the 
keen  sufferings  of  the  moment  with  a subdued  cheer- 
fulness that  welcomed  sympathy  and  love  with  a 
profounder  appreciation. 

The  monument  to  Solomon  at  Ofen,  and  the  sim- 
pler memorial  tomb  of  Boppo  at  Gran  long  expressed 
the  high  estimation  extended  to  those  honored  and 
lamented  worthies. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


INNOCENCE  OF  ZAWIS  PROVED. 

Scarcely  had  the  amnesty  published  by  King  Wen- 
zel assured  security  when  Agaphia  Brzava  transferred 
to  Nicolas  Jaroslav  the  key  and  chain  she  had  ob- 
tained. Nicolas  on  his  side  debated  long  with  him- 
self as  to  the  use  he  should  make  of  the  power  now 
in  his  hands.  He  felt  the  necessity,  however,  of  ex- 
hibiting his  own  fidelity  in  his  calling;  and  he  knew 
that  any  uncertainty  or  taint  of  suspicion  cast  on 
his  acts  as  notarius  must  involve  interests  too  serious 
to  permit  any  trifling.  He  accordingly  watched  a 
favorable  opportunity  to  unlock  the  great  chest  which 
he  knew  contained  many  revelations  of  state  impor- 
tance. The  confusion  created  in  the  kingdom,  since 
the  death  of  the  great  Otakar,  resulting  from  that 
sovereign’s  pre-eminentl}^  commanding  character, and 
his  compulsory  union  of  the  branches  of  adminis- 
tration in  his  own  person,  enabled  designing  persons 
to  remove,  or  conceal,  or  destroy  archives  almost 
at  their  pleasure. 

Among  other  documents  Nicolas  discovered  the 
official  decree,  formally  subscribed  and  engrossed, 
creating  Nicolas  son  of  Otakar,  Duke  of  Troppau, 
and  conferring  upon  him  the  revenues  of  that  duchy. 

285 


^86  INNOCENCE  OF  ZAIVIS  PROVED 

“This/’  thought  Nicolas, “is  worth  a thousand  fold  its 
weight  in  gold.  I know  that  the  right  of  Nicolas 
to  enjoy  those  revenues,  and  even  that  title,  is  being 
disputed  and  will  come  up  in  council.”  With  some 
difficulty  Jaroslav  also  discovered  securely  wrapped 
in  other  documents,  as  if  for  the  purpose  of  close  con- 
cealment, the  partially  mutilated  decree  of  Otakar 
conferring  on  Queen  Kunigunde,  as  her  own  prop- 
erty, the  sum  of  fifty  thousand  marks  drawn  from  the 
revenues  of  Gratz.  Nicolas  also  acquired  both  the 
information  and  the  possession  of  documents  whereby 
Tobias  and  Duke  Nicolas  had  attempted  to  throw 
suspicion  on  the  marriage  of  King  Otakar  and  Queen 
Kunigunde.  He  knew  that  such  doubts  had  been 
laid  before  Rudoph;  but  no  document  on  the  subject 
had  previously  been  suspected  to  exist.  Now  became 
evident  the  explanation  of  the  veiled  woman’s  posses- 
sion of  those  documents  and  of  that  chest.  In  the 
days  of  the  unhappy.  Queen  Margaret  the  veiled 
woman,  then  the  most  attractive  person  at  court,  en- 
joyed the  largest  share  of  the  king’s  confidence,  and 
became  in  fact  custodian  of  many  state  archives. 
Hence  the  golden  key  and  chain. 

The  mutilation  of  the  king’s  grant  to  his  queen 
created  extreme  perplexity.  Only  the  letters  “Ota” 
remained,  the  last  being  imperfect  and  divided  be- 
tween the  shreds  still  remaining  on  the  edge  of  the 
parchment  and  the  corresponding  shreds  on  the  torn 
piece. 

During  the  siege  of  Hluboka,  Agaphia  had  been 
obliged  to  tear  up  many  portions  of  her  store  of  gar- 


INNOCENCE  OF  ZAIVIS  PROyED 


^81 

merits,  to  be  used  as  bandages.  During  this  hurried 
process  the  closely  wrapped  slip  picked  up  at  Prague 
came  to  her  hand.  By  the  faithful  agency  of  Sam- 
bor  it  was  conveyed  to  Prague  on  the  return  of  the 
troops;  and  by  him  on  the  first  opportunity  presented 
to  Nicolas  Jaroslav. 

In  addition  to  these  papers  came  to  light  in  the  great 
chest  many  items  relating  to  Queen  Kunigunde’s 
expenditure,  public  accounts,  decrees  long  missing  and 
now  greatly  needed;  and  above  all,  a written  promise 
purporting  to  have  been  executed  by  Otakar  to  recog- 
nize his  son  Nicolas,  and  qualify  him  as  successor 
to  the  throne,  in  case  of  the  failure  of  heirs  of  Queen 
Kunigunde.  By  this  paper  a bright  light  fell  on  the 
history  of  young  Wenzel;  his  cruel  neglect;  the  aban- 
donment of  his  education;  the  failure  to  furnish  him 
even  with  necessary  food;  and  the  apparent  attempt 
to  wear  out  his  life  without  actual  violence. 

On  this  revelation  Jaroslav  determined  to  obtain 
a private  audience  with  King  Wenzel. 

Only  by  seizing  an  unexpected  opportunity  could 
it  be  obtained. 

Jaroslav  read  these  documents  to  the  king. 

“Your  highness  is  already  aware,’’  he  said,  “of  the 
personality  of  the  veiled  woman.  She  was  the 
mother  of  Duke  Nicolas;  and  the  great  efforts  and 
successful  courage  of  Lord  Zawis  enabled  your  high- 
ness’ loyal  supporters  to  protect  your  throne  at  a 
moment  when  Bohemia  had  sunk  to  prostration  un- 
der accumulated  misfortunes.  Your  highness  can 
now  perceive  how  grossly  you  have  been  deceived. 


288  INNOCENCE  OF  ZAIVIS  PROyED 

“My  own  share  in  these  events,  merely  clerical,  is 
also  corroborated,  and  the  official  entries  sustained 
by  further  evidence  at  hand. 

“Your  highness  perceives  the  widely  different  usage 
these  too  portions  of  the  same  document  have  under 
gone;  one  clean,  fresh,  and  uncreased;  the  other 
soiled,  bruised,  and  worn.  One  has  lain  almost  un- 
touched, the  other  has  been  concealed,  either  for 
protection,  or  misuse.  Place  them  together,  and  the 
rough  edges  correspond  even  to  the  minutest  thread. 
Your  illustrious  father’s  signature  is  perfect  and  the 
name  and  probity  of  his  excellent  queen,  Kunigunde, 
have  been  vindicated  by  the  most  official  proofs. 

“Permit  me  to  add  that  these  documents  all  attest 
a deep  and  foul  conspiracy  to  remove,  by  cruel  and 
crafty  violence,  the  one  man  whose  honor  and  fidelity 
have  hereby  received  absolute  demonstration.  Those 
fifty  thousand  marks  did  appertain  by  right  to  the 
personal  estate  of  the  queen;  and  a gross  wrong  has 
been  committed  against  a true  subject  as  well  as 
against  the  whole  kingdom  of  Bohemia.” 

Jaroslav  also  read  to  the  king  many  entries  of 
royal  estates  recovered,  of  crown  property  restored, 
of  rents  alienated,  much  of  the  sum  not  yet  paid  by 
the  unlawful  possessors,  and  one  most  serious  item 
of  large  tracts  of  land  forcibly  seized  by  the  com- 
munity of  the  Thorn  Crown,  at  the  moment  of  the 
king’s  fall. 

Above  all,  Jaroslav  reaa  the  official  entry  record- 
ing the  birth  of  Wenzel  and  the  corresponding  an- 
nouncement entitling  him  sole  heir  to  the  throne  of 


INNOCENCE  OF  ZAIVIS  PROVED 


289 


the  Bohemian  dominions.  Wenzel  well  understood 
the  meaning  of  this  phraseology.  He  was  born  heir  of 
a kingdom  that  extended  from  the  Baltic  to  the  coast 
and  islands  of  Dalmatia. 

The  production  of  these  archives  required  the  as- 
sembling of  the  royal  council.  Many  of  the  most 
perplexed  questions  of  administration  obtained  full 
solution.  Respecting  the  documents  affecting  the 
Duke  Nicolas  as  duke  of  Troppau,  and  Lord  Zawis, 
the  king  authorized  Jaroslav  to  present  them  in 
such  manner  as  he  thought  best. 

Impelled  by  a sense  of  wounded  honor,  and  by  a 
just  resentment,  Jaroslav  first  read  the  official  entry 
in  his  own  handwriting,  recording  che  royal  grant. 

‘^But,^^  said  Duke  Nicolas  sharply,  “that  entry  is 
unsupported  by  any  royal  decree.  Without  such 
document  the  council  must  decide  that  your  entry  is 
a forgery.^’ 

“His  highness  the  king,  and  the  lords  present, ^re- 
plied Jaroslav,  impressively,  “can  at  once  recall  the 
sentence  of  imprisonment  inflicted  on  myself  in  con- 
nection with  this  subject.  Events  equally  startling 
and  opportune  have  furnished  me  with  the  necessary 
vindication.  During  the  recent  struggle,  although 
brief,  before  Hluboka,  two  women,  one  of  them 
closely  veiled,  were  observed  to  watch  with  evident 
anxiety  the  movements  of  Duke  Nicolas  here  present. 
They  briefly  addressed  and  encouraged  the  wounded, 
and  were  permitted  to  move  as  they  chose.  The  per- 
son of  the  duke  attracted  missiles,  and  two  of  these 
aimed  together  struck  and  slew  with  a dreadful  dis- 


290 


INNOCENCE  OF  ZAIVIS  PROVED 


figurement  the  two  women  on  the  instant.  A soldier 
present,  on  invitation  specially  uttered,  and  on  safe 
conduct  specifically  pronounced,  recognized  the  veiled 
woman  as  the  mother  of  the  Duke  Nicolas,  then 
standing  before  the  mutilated  corpse. 

“From  the  same  veiled  body  that  soldier  drew  this 
chain  and  key  that  he  had  long  searched  for.  With 
that  key  came  to  light  the  concealed  document  this 
honorable  council  had  demanded.  Whether  the 
document  remained  hidden  with  the  full  knowledge 
of  Nicolas  Duke  of  Troppau  may  be  gathered  from 
the  challenge  of  the  duke  to  produce  such  a docu- 
ment. He  knew  such  record  existed,  for  his  own 
signature  is  attached  to  it,  and  he  knew  that  his 
mother  formerly  kept  the  golden  key  of  the  recep- 
tacle where  that  record  lay  for  safety.  The  duke’s 
mother  was  supposed  to  have  disappeared  from  the 
palace  at  the  time  of  King  Otakar’s  marriage. 

“Does  the  duke  challenge  the  authenticity  of  this 
parchment.^”  boldly  inquired  Nicolas. 

“It  is  preserved  with  the  same  caution,  found  in 
the  same  enclosure,  guarded  by  the  same  mother’s 
care  as  the  equally  secured  and  authentic  document 
conferring  upon  him  the  revenues  of  the  dukedom 
of  Troppau. 

“The  subscription  is  the  same, the  witnesses  are  the 
same,  as  my  Lord  Benes  will  certify,  for  his  name  also 
occurs  in  both.*’ 

The  king  here  presented  both  parchments  to 
Benes  and  Nicolas,  and  as  neither  uttered  a syllable 
Jaroslav  continued: 


INNOCENC^E  OF  ZAIVIS  PROVED 


291 


“Let  the  shame, then, of  this  conspiracy  fall  on  the 
heads  of  those  who  are  guilty  of  it. 

“A  good  knight  has  gone  down  to  a new  and  atro- 
cious death  in  order  to  forward  the  guilty  ambition 
of  traitors  and  deceivers,  and  those  who  knew  the 
crime  they  committed  exult  in  their  infamous  suc- 
cess.” 

At  this  point  the  queen  and  Bishop  Tobias,  wholly 
uninformed  of  the  revelations  now  presented,  entered 
the  council. 

The  bishop  at  once  requested  opportunity  to  pre- 
sent to  the  king  in  council  for  official  ratification  the 
decree  already  authorized  but  not  yet  executed  set- 
ting apart  a tract  of  rich  land,  and  specific  donations 
from  the  treasury,  for  the  erection  and  maintenance 
of  the  new  Cistercian  Monastery  which  the  king  had 
vowed  to  erect  at  his  own  charge,  in  memory  of  his 
victory  over  the  Lord  Zawis. 

“In  imitation  of  the  glorious  example  of  our  pious 
and  illustrious  father,”  the  decree  said,  “who  perpet- 
uated the  glory  of  his  arms  and  his  zeal  for  the  Chris- 
tian faith  by  erecting  and  endowing  houses  of  God 
to  promote  the  interests  and  protect  the  rights  and 
liberties  of  the  church,  and  in  recognition  of  special 
grace  accorded  to  us  in  the  punishment  of  a rebel 
and  plunderer  of  our  treasury,  we  do  hereby  author- 
ize the  erection  and  perpetual  endowment  of  the 
holy  house  to  be  named  ‘Aula  Regia,’  at  Zbraslaw, 
for  the  brethren  of  the  Cistercian  order,  and  we 
decree  the  same  accordingly.” 

“We  have  this  day  presented  to  us,  Lord  Bishop,” 


292 


INNOCENCE  OF  ZAJVIS  PROVED 


said  the  king,  ‘‘authentic  and  indubitable  proofs 
that  at  least  in  the  one  matter  of  the  fifty  thousand 
marks  the  Lord  Zavvis  expressed  the  strict  truth,  and 
his  probity  has  been  vindicated.  I fear  that  rash- 
ness and  abitrary  haste  have  marked  the  proceedings 
that  have  recently  occurred.  Personally  I feel  a deep 
regret  at  the  result.” 

Tobias  took  the  documents  and  explained  their 
purport  to  the  queen.  After  a brief  conference  To- 
bias said:  “The  queen’s  highness  reminds  the 
council  of  a most  happy  escape  from  the  machina- 
tions and  magical  devices  of  the  guilty  conspirator, 
whose  poisoned  gift  threatened  the  queen’s  highness 
and  the  king  with  the  fatal  results  of  their  diabolical 
effects.  No  deliverance  could  be  more  providential, 
no  intervention  of  holy  powers  could  be  more  gra- 
cious, than  the  auspicious  discovery  of  the  malignant 
purposes  of  the  heretical  culprit  who  has  justly  suf- 
fered. Such  an  interposition  merits  our  most  grate- 
ful acknowledgment.  Surely  no  memorial  could  be 
more  just,  and  no  pious  work  more  suitable  than  the 
erection  and  endowment  of  this  holy  house  that  shall 
preserve  the  memory  of  this  fortunate  event.” 

Here  Benes  interposed.  He  possessed  acuteness 
and  observation.  “The  reverend  bishop  has  as- 
sumed that  the  gift  from  the  Lady  Judith  contained 
the  venom  of  poison  magic.  The  reverend  bishop 
is  aware  that  the  Lady  Judith  had  entered  into  vows 
in  holy  church,  and  had  exhibited  exemplary  de- 
votion and  faith,  Such  profession  and  life  are  not 
favorable  to  the  belief  that  the  Lady  Judith  could 


INNOCENCE  OF  ZAJVIS  PROVED 


293 


or  would  have  encouraged  any  communion  with  the 
black  arts  of  devotees  of  the  evil  one.  No  proof  has 
been  offered  that  the  gift  in  question  had  ever  been 
exposed  to  the  influence  of  any  hands  but  those  of 
the  Lady  Judith  herself.  For  my  part, I am  now  con- 
vinced that  the  reverend  bishop’s  apprehensions 
arise  from  a commingling  of  pious  fear  and  inten- 
tional policies,  both  resulting  in  a purpose  to  discredit 
the  marriage  of  the  Queen  Kunigunde,  and  the  king’s 
right  to  the  throne  of  his  fathers.  I am  of  opinion 
that  the  queen’s  highness  has  been  the  dupe  of  more 
experienced  plotters  who  have  employed  the  cry  of 
magic  to  disquiet  her  young  mind  for  purposes 
adverse  to  the  king’s  interests.”  » 

“I  have  pledged  my  royal  vv^ord,”  said  Queen 
Judith  in  some  alarm, “that  the  king’s  consent  would 
erect  and  endow  the  koenigsaal  for  the  brethren  of 
the  Cistercian  order;  and  I therefore  appeal  to  his 
highness  in  council  to  sustain  my  promise  by  issuing 
the  decree  required.” 

“I  may  pledge  the  brethren  beforehand,”  said  To- 
bias, “to  faithfully  preserve  the  record  as  it  shall  be 
delivered  to  them  of  the  recent  events  to  which  they 
owe  their  foundation;  and  I doubt  not  that  their  zeal 
will  supply  any  defects  that  may  be  found  in  existing 
report  oh  the  subject.  Their  house  shall  not  want 
well  attested  statements  justifying  their  comimunity, 
and  furnishing  all  needful  details  of  the  long  contin- 
ued wickedness,  and  merited  death  of  that  servant  of 
evil  who  forfeited  his  life  for  his  crimes.” 

“His  memory,”  said  Benes,  “is  acquitted  of  all 


294 


INNOCENCE  OF  ZAIVIS  PROVED 


malversation  in  office,  and  misappropriation  of  crown 
property;  and  his  eminent  services  to  the  crown  are 
recorded  in  the  authentic  documents  now  before  us.’^ 

“The  brethren  are  even  now  proceeding  with  their 
work,’^  responded  Tobias,  “in  reliance  on  the  king’s 
encouragement.” 

“Let  the  house  named  Aula  Regia  be  constructed 
and  endowed,”  said  Wenzel.  “But  whatever  de- 
tails the  records  of  that  institution  may  afford, 
let  it  be  remembered  that  all  will  be  based  on 
their  own  interest  and  the  necessity  of  present- 
ing an  apparent  justification  of  their  foundation. 
The  excellent  Bishop  Tobias  has  found  himself  de- 
ceived; and  if  the  brethren  present  the  same  reasons 
that  he  has  done  we  shall  have  only  another  instance 
of  rumor  mistaken  for  fact,  of  pious  imagination  in- 
terpreted as  well  informed  judgment,  and  of  zealous 
wishes  becoming  the  suggestive  origin  of  positive  as- 
sertions.” 

“The  notarius  will  authenticate  the  records,”  finally 
declared  the  king.  “He  will  also  adopt  such  meas- 
ures as  will  present  a correct  memorial  of  recent  un- 
happy events;  and  such  as  will  convey  the  true  spirit, 
and  disclosed  motives  that  have  governed  the  actors 
in  the  recent  tragedy  at  Hluboka.” 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


QUIET  AT  FURSTENBERG.  WEDDINGS. 

Quiet  seclusion  enveloped  the  residents  at  Fiirs- 
tenberg  during  the  sorrowful  winter  of  1290.  The 
still  rugged  evidences  of  strife  without  corresponded 
with  the  agitated,  and  at  times  ebullient  emotions  of 
those  within.  The  general  stillness  produced  a calm 
feeling,  and  turbulent  thoughts  subsided.  The  current 
of  human  sensibilities  necessarily  obeys  the  external 
influences  that  supply  the  sources  whence  those  sen- 
sibilities receive  their  moving  power,  and  which  in 
time  engross  human  attention.  Impossible  to  with- 
draw ourselves  from  that  light  and  life  whereof  we 
form  a part. 

All  attempts  to  do  this  have  resulted  only  in  stag- 
nation and  the  unnatural  perversion  of  human  facul- 
ties. Equally  impossible  it  is  for  throbbing  hearts 
to  resist  the  impulse  communicated  from  the  changing 
and  brightening  and  enlivening  scenes  and  activities 
around.  They  are  drawn  into  the  current  and  share 
its  rapids  and  its  eddies.  As  the  leaves  drooped, and 
died,  and  withered  as  they  lay,  and  mingled  in  one 
common  change,  the  emotions  and  hopes  and  joys 
that  had  adorned  the  life  of  those  within  the  half  de- 
serted castle,  also  drooped,  and  blended,  as  they  de- 

^95 


296  QUIET  AT  FURSTENBERG.  IVEDDINGS 

parted,  with  the  one  great  grief  that  included  and 
covered  them  all.  And  as  new  spring  light  shone, 
and  inspiring  breezes  breathed  on  the  passive  suiface 
of  the  landscape,  and  cheered  the  hearts,  and  quick- 
ened the  blood  of  men,  young  hopes  peeped  out  again 
through  the  mass  of  withered  feelings,  and  fairer 
prospects  bloomed  amid  the  wreck  of  fallen  greatness; 
and  although  these  evidences  of  reviving  life  con- 
trasted with  the  sad  evidences  of  death  around, yet  the 
weary  eye  rested  thankfully  on  the  new  beaut}^,  and 
loved  it  as  the  beginning  of  a larger  and  more  generous 
joy  to  come 

A lighter  step  moved  within  the  halls  and  chambers; 
voices  recovered  a tone  less  whispered;  eyes  looked 
forward  less  dimmed  and  shrouded;  and  present  cares 
and  duties  assumed  the  mastery  over  thoughts  and 
hands. 

The  summer  came  with  its  glories;  and  in  the  midst 
of  the  affluence  of  health  and  rejoicing,of  bloom  and 
fruitage  without,  the  Lady  Judith  habitually  sat  gazing 
on  the  charming  scene,  and  feeling  all  the  more  keenly 
for  the  gladness  before  her  the  abrupt  and  painful 
severance  of  her  own  heart  from  the  love  that  had 
filled  her  life  with  similar  exuberance. 

Beside  her  stood  her  boy,  gazing  sadly  into  his 
mother’s  mourning  face,  and  wondering  why  she  felt 
so  sad.  Gradually,  and  with  a flowing  tear, she  told 
him  the  melancholy  tale.  “Bad  men,’’ she  said  “had 
taken  his  papa  from  her  and  him;”  and  as  the  child 
inquired  why  they  had  done  that,  she  could  merely 
reply;  ‘‘My  son,  I can  only  hope  that  you  will  grow 


QUIET  AT  FURSTENBERG.  IVEDDINGS 


29? 


up  to  be  as  good  and  true  a man  as  your  father  was. 
To  tell  you  all  the  reasons  why  they  slew  him  so 
cruelly,’^ — and  here  again  the  tears  flowed  fast, — 
“would  only  seem  an  idle  tale,  so  dreadful  and  so 
wicked  does  it  seem.  But  I must  believe  that  such 
deeds  will  bring  down  on  those  who  commit  them  a 
punishment  as  sure  as  it  will  be  deserved.’^ 

Lady  Ludmila,  too,  moved  with  quiet  gracefulness 
through  her  apartments.  Her  step  continued  not 
less  light  and  elastic;  and  her  dignity  had  assumed  a 
subdued  seriousness  and  tender  affability  that  diffused 
a sense  of  serenity  all  around  her.  Lord  Drda  came 
and  went,  and  received  the  gentle  welcome  that  con- 
cealed no  love,  and  assumed  no  repulsion. 

Quietly  they  strolled,  and  talked,  and  confided  in 
each  other.  As  gently  as  the  summer  blends  with 
the  autumn,  their  two  hearts  mingled  in  happy  one- 
ness and  unconstrained  affection. 

Lady  Judith  gazed  on  the  avowed  devotion  of  the 
lovers  to  each  other,  and  smiled  as  she  sympathized 
with  their  happiness;  and  then  she  drew  her  boy 
closer  to  her,  as  being  the  living  embodiment  of  her 
own  love  now  past,  and  the  center  of  her  widowed 
hopes. 

At  intervals  Prokop  visited  his  friends,  and  with 
unaffected  earnestness  and  simplicity  inspired  all 
hearts  with  his  own  devotion  to  the  duties  and  sym- 
pathies before  them. 

During  one  of  these  always  welcome  residences, 
as  he  passed  with  cheering  message  from  the  home  of 
comparative  prosperity  to  the  refuge  of  poverty  and 


298 


QUIET  AT  FURSTENBERG.  JVEDDINGS 


of  sickness,  Milada  quietly  conveyed  to  him  the  intelli- 
gence that  in  a poor  and  lonely  hut  lay  a sick  man 
who  obtruded  his  condition  on  none,  and  seemed  to 
desire  only  obscurity.  Immediately  proceeding  to 
the  place  designated,  Prokop  found  it  tenanted  only 
by  a white-haired  woman,  and  a man  evidently  laid 
very  low  by  fever  aggravated  by  want.  During  his 
delirium  the  sufferer  wandered  back  to  former  days, 
and  called  up  scenes  he  had  shared  in.  A moan  and 
a shout  interspersed  with  a hollow  laugh,  and  at- 
tempts at  hilarity  mingled  with  cries  of  horror,  told 
of  experiences  of  rough  mirth,  and  furious  contention. 
“Ah, the  wood;  they  sharpened  it!’^  he  shouted.  “Ah, 
the  fire;  not  hard  enough;”  and  then  with  staring  eyes 
he  gazed  into  space  and  shouted, “Ah,  it  falls!  Dead, 
dead!”  and  then  with  a groan  he  fell  back  exhausted. 
Again  a sickly  smile  stole  over  his  emaciated  but 
puffy  face,  and  he  cried:  “Sing,  tra  la  la,  boys,  sing; 
ah,  it  is  over;  we  march, — m-a-r-ch,”  and  again  sank 
into  stupor. 

Sadly  Prokop  bethought  of  Solomon,  and  a sigh 
escaped  him  as  he  felt  his  helplessness. 

Attention,  and  soothing  drinks  could  be  supplied. 
Fresh  air  came  in  abundance.  A strong  constitution 
gradually  threw  off  the  fever  and  then  simple  food 
reached  reviving  appetite;  and  after  ten  days  recovery 
seemed  fairly  assured.  Consciousness  resumed  its 
functions  and  Sambor  knew  that  more  than  one  ten- 
der hand  had  smoothed  his  pillow  and  held  the  cup 
of  cooling  and  yet  nourishing  drink  to  his  fevered 
lips. 


QUIET  AT  FURSTENBERG.  IVEDDINGS 


299 


“Good  Milada,”  he  said, “you  and  your  good  mother 
have  nursed  me  back  to  life,  I feel  already  that  a 
totally  different  occupation  must  employ  my  days 
henceforth.  I am  not  an  old  man,  only  twenty-eight, 
and  I have  spent  ten  years  at  soldiery.  Surely  there 
is  room  for  me  around  here,  and  I have  resolved  to 
fill  such  place  as  I may  find.  Many  brave  fellows 
have  fallen.  I would  rather  they  were  still  here,  that 
I might  be  one  with  them.  Not  hatred,  nor  love  of 
bloodshedding  moved  me, but  the  example  and  influ- 
ence on  a strong  boy  of  the  wild  company  I was 
among. 

“Milada,  I owe  my  life  to  you,  for  I know  your  care 
supplied  all  my  wants,  although  you  did  not  avow  it. 
I will  devote  my  life  to  you  henceforth  if  you  will 
allow  me  to  do  so.’’ 

“When  you  grow  well  and  strong  again  we  will  see 
how  you  feel  about  that,”  she  said;“perhaps  then  you 
will  not  care  about  Milada.” 

“Thank  you  for  that  condition,”  replied  Sambor; 
“you  will  see.” 

As  Sambor  recovered  strength,  no  lack  of  duties 
kept  his  hands  idle.  Above  all  other  occupations  the 
restoration  of  the  vineyards  required  the  skill  of  a 
practised  hand.  These  had  been  broken  down;  and 
now  choice  vines  lay  in  a tangled  mass,  a luxuriant 
growth  of  wild  vegetation.  Herein  his  early  training 
now  found  congenial  application;  and  trellis  and  wall 
soon  gave  token  of  the  return  of  more  than  former 
order  and  precision. 

With  the  sense  of  contrast  between  his  present 


300 


QUIET  AT  FURSTENBERG.  IVEDDINGS 


occupation  and  his  last  grew  deeper  into  Sambor’s 
mind  a restlessness  alniost  amounting  to  resentment. 
“The  duke  of  Troppau,”  he  said  to  Milada,  “twice 
gave  me  his  promise  of  advancement,  and  twice  he 
failed  to  keep  his  promise.  And,  Milada,  I am 

sincerely  glad  he  broke  his  word.  I have  learned 

to  form  a new  estimate  of  human  nature.  I long 
regarded  men  and  women  as  lawful  prey,  to  be 

seized  by  the  most  successful  spoiler.  That  is  the 

feeling  that  animates  multitudes  of  plunderers  who 
are  called  soldiers.  That  feeling  has  worked  itself 
into  the  hearts  of  kings,  and  that  feeling  is  as- 
sociated with  a ferocity  towards  all  who  differ  from 
them  in  opinion  as  well  as  in  possession.  Each  be- 
comes, like  the  other,  the  foe  of  the  spoiler.  But  it 
is  all  passed  now,  Milada;  and  I avow  that  it  is  to 
you  that  I owe  my  change  of  sentiment.  I feel  your 
hand  on  my  brow  yet,  Milada;  I drink  again  the 
cup  you  gave  me;  and  I should  be  less  than  human 
if  I did  not  rise  to  a better  sense  of  human  dignity, 
through  the  sympathy  you  have  shown,  and  the  gentle 
nobility  you  have  exhibited.  You  have  raised  me 
up,  Milada;  and  I thank  you  and  love  you, and  honor 
you  all  the  more  for  it.” 

“Hush  now,”  said  Milada,  taking  his  hand  and 
smiling  archly;  “how  about  your  flirtation  with  Frau 
Agaphia  Brzava.^^  There  was  nothing  in  that,  was 
there 

“Only  a soldier’s  frolic,”  replied  Sambor.  “Only  a 
passing  jest;  and  I now  know  it  was  you  who  gave 
me  the  May  bliss,  Frau  Agaphia  was  there,  but  it  was 


QUIET  AT  FURSTENBERG.  IVEDDINGS  301 

your  hand  that  gave  it;  and,  Milada,  I cannot  forget 
the  arch  smile  that  came  with  it.” 

Milada  avowed  the  smile  and  the  May  bliss;  and 
now  she  went  further.  Placing  her  hand  in  his,  she 
said,  “Take  it,  Sambor,  and  my  heart  with  it.  Long 
I served  the  Lady  Kunigunde.  By  her  generosity  I 
secured  more  than  a little,  that  I have  managed  to 
secrete  through  all  these  trou'bled  times.  Take  it, 
Sambor,  it  is  yours  ; it  will  purchase  for  us  the  vine- 
yard  that  my  father  tended.  I know  you  will  wel- 
come good  old  Brzena.  She  is  my  father’s  sister  and 
has  an  interest  in  the  place;  and  I promise  you  that 
if  a faithful  wife  can  make  you  happy  you  shall  be 
happy  indeed.” 

As  the  Christmas  time  drew  near,  the  friends  gath- 
ered around  the  hospitable  hearth.  A cheerfulness 
there  was,  and  yet  a subdued  joy  in  presence  of  the 
widow  who  cordially  received  her  guests.  Lady 
Ludmila  was  there  and  Drda,  and  Jaroslav  and 
Agaphia,  and  a company  of  neighbors,  all  friends  and 
old  retainers.  The  hearth  was  open  to  all  friends 
who  chose  to  honor  it  with  their  presence.  Early 
in  the  afternoon  of  that  day  four  strange  faces  ap- 
peared, and  quietly  presented  themselves  to  pay  their 
respects.  Wearing  the  Russian  costume  of  the  re- 
moter provinces,  but  speaking,  though  with  some 
hesitation,  the  Bohemian  language,  their  presence  at 
first  created  a slight  uneasiness. 

As  soon  as  welcome  warmth  and  generous  repast 
had  refreshed  the  travelers, the  elder  said:  “I  am  al- 
ready aware  that  I come  as  a stranger;  but  I know 


302 


QUIET  AT  FURSTENBERG.  IVEDDINGS 


your  kindly  hearts  will  feel  emotion  when  I say  that 
I am  the  eldest  son  of  the  Lord  Boppo  of  Osterna. 

“My  brother  also  comes  and  his  wife;  but  our  chil- 
dren have  not  arrived,  as  we  have  not  yet  reached 
our  proposed  home.  We  were  all  present  on  the 
fatal  Marchfield;  and  we  repeatedly  saw  the  Lord 
Zawis  there  after  he  became  a prisoner.  We  went 
all  into  bondage  togetheV;  and  at  last  have  returned,  as 
we  hope,  to  live  and  die  among  my  father’s  friends/’ 

“The  honored  name  of  the  Lord  Boppo  ensures 
you  cordial  greeting  and  welcome,”  replied  the  Lady 
Judith.  “We  are  happy  indeed  that  this  unexpected 
pleasure  multiplies  our  guests,  especially  of  those  who 
bear  so  noble  a lineage.  You  are  of  our  own  indeed.” 

A sedately  happy  company  thus  found  themselves 
assembled.  Lord  Drda,  and  Prokop,  and  Nicolas 
Jaroslav  related  each  his  portion  of  the  eventful 
history,  now  introducing  changed  conditions  through 
the  Moravian  border.  The  visitors  heard  with  pro- 
found emotion  the  facts  respecting  Lord  Boppo’s  fall, 
imperfectly  narrated  to  them  at  Gran. 

They  also  listened  with  subdued  hearts  to  the  story 
of  the  death  of  Solomon,  whom  they  well  remembered 
and  had  inquired  for. 

“Now,”  said  Salza  of  Osterna,  “it  is  my  duty  to 
narrate  to  this  company  the  story  of  our  experiences 
after  we  were  forcibly  separated  from  Lord  Boppo  at 
Gran.  While  the  old  man,  who  had  secured  a special 
release  through  his  friend  Solomon  ben  Gerson,  was 
temporarily  absent,  engaged  in  supplying  the  most 
honorable  sepulture  to  our  mother  that  our  unhappy 


QUIET  AT  FURSTENBERG.  IVEDDINGS  803 

condition  admitted,  our  captors  moved  away  toward 
the  Vistula.  Here  a slave-dealer  from  Astrakhan  for- 
tunately purchased  us  all;  and  we  moved  forward 
into  Turkestan.  A body  of  Kharesmian  plunderers 
seized  our  caravan,  and  conveyed  us  to  the  Khares- 
mian frontier,  the  Khan  of  this  region  proposing  to 
make  us  part  of  a body  of  slave  colonists  intended  to 
cultivate  his  tract  of  country,  almost  depopulated  by 
the  Tartars  long  ago,  and  scarcely  occupied  ever 
since.  Here  we  received  each  a dwelling,  but  our  em- 
ployment consisted  exclusively  of  herding  horses  and 
goats.  Our  flocks  of  goats  yielded  us  meat;  and 
kumyss  formed  our  chief  drink.  Years  we  continued 
in  this  employment.  The  Khan  of  Kharesm  claimed 
dominion  over  our  territory;  and  dispatched  a large 
force  for  its  subjugation.  Repeatedly  we  observed 
an  officer  in  command  whom  we  thought  we  recog- 
nized. At  last  our  district  fell  into  his  power  and  we 
found  ourselves  again  subject  to  a change  of  masters. 
An  order  given  one  day,  to  his  own  servant,  in  the 
Spanish  language,  convinced  us  that  our  new  viceroy 
was  none  other  than  Don  Abraham,  whom  we  had  re- 
peatedly seen;  and  whom  my  father  and  Solomon 
well  knew,  and  frequently  conversed  with.  We  made 
ourselves  known  to  him;  and  with  a noble  generosity 
and  a friendly  gladness  that  gave  him  infinite  pleas- 
ure, Don  Abraham  not  only  secured  our  absolute  re- 
lease, but  furnished  us  with  ample  means  to  purchase 
the  estate  where  Solomon  and  his  friend  first  made 
my  father’s  acquaintance.  We  could  not  continue 
our  journey  without  enjoying  the  profound  pleasure 


304 


QUIET  AT  FURSTELBERG.  IF'EDDIhIGS 


of  visiting  friends  here,  and  without  making  a sojourn 
at  this  place  so  intimately  associated  with  my  father’s 
memory  and  death” 

The  warmest  congratulations  followed  the  simple 
avowal  thus  narrated.  The  entire  company  made 
good  cheer,  yet  with  a quiet  joy.  The  Lady  Judith 
placed  her  guests  according  to  their  obvious  and  ap- 
propriate preferences.  Lord  Drda  and  Lady  Ludmila 
sat  together  at  table  and  smiled  and  chatted  with  per- 
fect composure  and  undisguised  affection.  Nicolas 
Jaroslav  and  Agaphia  entertained  each  other,  and 
were  happy  in  each  other’s  confidence;  and  again 
Sambor  and  Milada  enjoyed  each  other’s  looks,  and 
seemed  better  contented  to  hear  the  cheerful  com- 
munings  of  the  other  guests  than  propose  their  own. 
Prokop  devoted  himself  to  the  new  arrivals,  who 
again  entertained  the  Lady  Judith  with  many  details 
and  rough  adventures  with  goats’  flesh  and  kumyss; 
and  the  nomad  life  of  the  steppes.  The  Lady  Judith 
listened  with  placid  cheerfulness;  but  no  demonstra- 
tion of  absorption  in  her  own  sorrow,  or  of  inatten- 
tion to  her  present  duties  allowed  itself  to  mar  the 
decorous  gayety  of  the  evening. 

As  the  long  winter’s  deeper  glow  approached,  the 
logs  in  the  wide  fireplace  emitted  a brighter  blaze, 
and  diffused  a welcome  such  as  only  a Christmas 
hearthstone  can.  Although  the  wood  may  crackle 
and  blaze  as  lustily  and  with  as  demonstrative  a splen- 
dor at  other  times,  yet  the  glow  of  feeling  that  cheers 
the  Christmas  family  group,  bestows  a more  graceful 
curl  on  the  blaze,  infuses  a more  genial  warmth  into 


QUIET  AT  FunSTBNBERG.  tVEDDINCS 


SOS 


the  fire,  and  a more  merry  explosion  to  the  crackling 
spark  that  shoots  among  the  feet  of  the  company. 
The  flutter  that  ensues  creates  livelier  merriment, and 
the  abashed  and  happy  looks  that  reward  the  recap- 
ture of  the  ruddy  fragment,  endow  that  simple  pro- 
jectile with  an  inspiring  potency  that  unseals  the  lips, 
and  melts  the  feelings,  and  brushes  away  the  last 
impediment  between  two  hearts  that  longed  for  more 
avowed  communion.  ^ 

Before  such  cheerful  hearth,  when  the  clear  red 
light  of  the  well  burned  wood  diffused  its  crimson 
brightness  on  every  cheek,  with  a gentle  signal  Lady 
Judith  smilingly  tokened  the  affianced  and  happy 
parties  to  stand  in  the  open  hall  before  the  mellow 
blaze. 

Then  Prokop  arose  before  them,  as  each  wedding 
pair  assumed  a separate  place,  and  said,  “These  per- 
sons severally,  Andreas  and  Ludmila,  Nicolas  and 
Agaphia,  Sambor  and  Milada,  propose  before  God, 
before  each  other,  and  this  company  to  assume  the 
state  of  marriage.  Does  any  person  present  know 
any  just  reason  why  these  persons  should  not  be 
united  severally  in  the  good  estate  of  matrimony? 
Again,  a second  time,  is  any  such  reason  given? 
Again,  a third  time?” 

There  in  that  cheerful  glow,  where  Lady  Judith 
looked  on  the  bright  reflection  from  the  happy  faces 
before  her,  at  her  side  the  amused  child  now  her 
chief  consoler,  Andreas  Lord  Drda  and  Ludmila, 
Nicolas  Jaroslav  and  Agaphia  Brszava,  Sambor  and 
Milada,  severally  pledged  and  plighted  themselves; 


306  ^lET  AT  FURSTENBERC,  iVEbOlNGS 

and  the  respective  husbands  and  wives  looked  con- 
fidently into  the  faces  of  their  partners,  and  gave 
their  promises  with  unaffected  candor  and  honest 
avowal;  and  that  ruddy  beam  that  illuminated  their 
faces  only  represented  and  reflected  the  still  happier 
and  brighter  light  that  beamed  in  hope  and  can- 
fidence  on  their  faith  and  their  hearts  in  permanent 
warmth  and  devotion. 

“Trebly  happy  as^this  celebration  is/’ said  Prokop, 
when  all  were  seated, “and  ardently  as  I pray  for  mul- 
tiplied blessings  on  our  loved  friends,  it  presents  still 
another  feature  that  confers  on  this  m.arriage  in  each 
case  a peculiar  significance.  We  see  our  native  land 
again  recovering  from  dreadful  calamities.  Her  fair 
surface  betokens  the  renewed  assiduity  of  her 
children. 

“In  this  hall,  you, my  younger  friends,  may  hope  to 
see  again  the  glory  of  former  days.  But  the  old  is 
passing  away.  We  have  seen  assembled  here  repre- 
sentatives of  chivalry,  national  welcome  to  commer- 
cial enterprise,  and  also  the  ethical  recollecticn  and 
continuance  of  the  faith  of  departed  centuries.  Two  of 
these  representatives  we  have  seen  perish  before  our 
eyes.  The  third,  however  feeble,  still  survives.  So 
fades  the  greatness,  the  national  glory  of  Bohemia 
Lingers  still  in  quiet  scenes  much  of  the  old  and 
cherished  belief  of  our  fathers.  It  will  almost  disap- 
pear; it  will  be  obscured;  in  its  quietness  will  it  be 
overlooked  ? 

“But  beneath  the  mass  of  new  and  ambitious  vege- 
tation that  marks  the  successive  growths  of  the  forest 


QUIET  AT  FURSTENBERG.  IVEDDINGS  30t 

eras,  and  leaves  as  it  falls  mouldering  heaps  and  de- 
caying fragments,  ever  spring  forth  the  scattered 
blossoms  of  half  buried  plants  that  cling  tenaciously 
to  their  native  soil,  and  never  can  be  eradicated. 

“I  doubt  not  that  these  indigenous  and  hardy  roots 
will  yet  fill  the  land,  and  will  cover  its  surface  with 
their  verdure.  And  never  from  Bohemia  shall  its  own 
peculiar  gifts  be  obliterated,  or  its  own  fruits  and 
flowers  of  belief  and  nationality  be  destroyed.  The 
mighty  have  been  prostrated,  the  wise  and  good 
have  been  cut  down;  but  in  the  quiet  and  unaffected 
paths  of  dut}^  in  conspicuous  honor  or  in  humility, 
shall  Bohemian  life  and  faith  revive;  and  as  I believe, 
to  greater  dignity  than  ever.” 

And  then  a dance  and  song  made  gay  the  happy 
company.  Ludmila’s  skillful  fingers  added  nimble- 
ness to  the  foot  of  the  dancer;  Sambor’s  ringing  voice 
enlivened  the  hearts  of  the  merry-makers;  and  long 
through  Moravia  was  told  the  tale  of  that  inspiring 
evening,  as  men  and  women  refreshed  their  thoughts 
with  its  memories,  while  they  recounted  the  sad 
history  of 


Zawis  and  Kunigunde. 


-^doeology.  A scientific  and  popular  treatise  on  Pre- 
natal Influence,  the  Prevention  of  Conception,  and 
the  Hygiene  and  Physiology  of  Generative  Life. 
By  Sydney  Barrington  Elliot,  M.  D.  Chicago: 
Charles  H.  Kerr  & Company,  175  Monroe  Street. 
Cloth,  ^1.50,  postpaid. 

Nothing  among  the  gloomy  signs  of  the  times  to- 
day sheds  a brighter  ray  of  hope  than  the  scientific 
discoveries  in  the  field  of  pre-natal  influence.  It  is  now 
an  established  fact  that  parents  may,  to  an  extent  be- 
fore undreamed  of,  determine  the  lives  of  their  children. 
“It  is  the  right  of  every  child  to  be  well  •born.  “ Par- 
ents may  ignore  that  right.  If  they  do,  the  chances 
are  that  the  child  will  suffer  through  life  from  some 
physical,  mental  or  moral  deformity  which  might  have 
been  prevented.  Parents  may  recognize  that  right, 
study  the  laws  of  pre-natal  influence,  and  so  apply 
them  as  to  intensify  in  their  offspring  every  good  qual- 
ity they  themselves  possess,  and  greatly  remedy  every 
defect.  If  only  a riiajority  of  our  people  would  do 
this,  the  life  of  the  nation  would  be  transformed  in  a 
generation. 

Dr.  Elliot  is  one  of  the  scientists  who  have  studied 
these  laws  of  pre-natal  influence,  and  in  this  book  he 
has  done  priceless  service  in  so  explaining  them  that 
all  may  understand  and  apply  them.  One  position 
which  he  takes  deserves  special  comment.  He  holds  that 
there  should  be  no  chance  conception,  and  as  a corol- 
lary to  this  he  holds  that  every  married  woman  should 
know  that  there  are  safe  and  harmless  methods  for  its 
prevention.  This  view  will  be  decried  by  some,  but 
all  who  judge  conduct  by  its  bearing  on  the  best  hap- 
piness of  mankind,  rather  than  by  pre-conceived  notions, 
will  heartily  commend  it. 


Un-American  Immigration : Its  Present  Effects 
and  Future  Perils.  By  Rena  Michaels  Atchison, 
Ph.  D.  Chicago:  Charles  H.  Kerr  & Company, 
175  Monroe  Street.  Cloth,  $1.25,  postpaid. 

This  is  a book  of  facts  and  not  theories.  The  author 
has  had  no  partisan  proposition  to  prove,  or  measure 
to  advocate,  but  has  simply  aimed  to  collate  all  facts 
bearing  upon  this  important  subject,  and  so  arrange 
them  that  they  may  tell  their  own  story  and  teach 
their  own  lessons. 

The  book  aims  to  be  thoroughly  non-partisan,  non- 
sectarian and  non- sectional,  and  directs  its  appeal  to 
the  candid  judgment  and  patriotic  feeling  of  every  true 
lov^er  of  the  American  Republic. 

The  lax  administration  of  our  immigration  laws, 
which  has  made  our  European  immigration  practically 
unrestricted,  has  added  much  to  our  burdens  of  crime, 
pauperism  and  illiteracy.  In  this  work  are  found, 
condensed  and  compared,  the  latest  investigations  on 
these  important  topics,  as  well  as  facts  showing  their 
bearings  upon  industrial,  educational,  municipal  and 
national  problems. 

The  comparison  therein  given  of  the  voting  power 
of  the  native  and  foreign  elements  of  the  several  states, 
together  with  the  analysis  of  the  racial  elements  by 
states  and  cities,  has  important  sociological  bearings. 
This  book  deals  exhaustively  with  every  phase  of  this 
important  question.  In  short,  it  deals  with  the  American 
problem  of  the  twentieth  century.  It  aims  to  state  that 
problem  so  clearly,  in  terms  so  simple,  that  every  patriot 
can  read  its  meaning  and  appreciate  its  magnitude. 

Dr.*  Josoph  Cook,  in  his  introduction  to  the  work, 
says:  “The  present  writer  has  nowhere  met  with  a more 
judicious  and  convincing  presentation  than  the  follow- 
ing volume  contains  of  our  perils  from  lax  immigration 
laws.  This  is  a book  of  telling  facts  and  of  sound  and 
far-reaching  inferences  on  the  increasing  mischiefs  of 
unsifted  immigration.  Mrs.,  Rena  Michaels  Atchison, of 
Chicago,  has  long  been  known  as  an  expert  in  this  branch 
of  sociological  discussion.  Her  treatise  is  timely, 
incisive,  and  strategic  both  in  the  exhibition  of  the  great 
evils  it  describes  and.  in  the  suggestion  of  remedies.” 


Money  Found:  Recovered  from  its  hiding-places  and 
put  into  circulation  through  confidence  in  govern- 
ment banks.  By  Thomas  E.  Hill.  Chicago: 
Charles  H.  Kerr  & Company,  175  Monroe  St.  Paper, 
25  cents;  cloth,  75  cents;  leather,  ^i.oo;  postpaid. 

In  1890  Hon.  Thos.  E.  Hill,  well  known  as  the 
author  of  “Hill’s  Manual”  and  other  standard  educa- 
tional works,  proposed,  in  a letter  to  the  Farmer’s 
Voice,  a vital  and  far-reaching  reform  in  the  banking 
system  of  the  United  States, — no  less  a reform  than 
the  government  ownership  and  contiol  of  the  whole 
banking  business.  Mr.  Hill’s  system  met  with  instant 
approval  from  many  of  the  clearest  thinkers  of  the 
country,  especially  the  leaders  of  the  People’s  Party. 
It  has  already  been  endorsed  by  local  conventions  of 
the  party,  and  is  likely  to  be  incorporated  into  the  next 
national  platform. 

In  response  to  many  requests  Mr.  Hill  has  elaborated 
his  system  in  the  book  Money  Found,  over  20,000 
copies  of  which  have  already  been  sold.  He  points 
out  that  the  terrible  business  depression  which  began 
in  1893  was  due  mainly  to  the  people’s  lack  of  confi- 
dence in  the  unsound  private  banks  miscalled  “national.  ” 
He  explains  how  the  United  States  might  open  its  own 
bank  in  every  important  town,  pay  3 per  cent  on  long 
time  deposits,  lend  at  4 per  cent  to  every  borrower  who 
has  adequate  security,  do  away  with  usury  and  revive 
business,  and  all  this  not  only  without  expense  but  with 
a net  revenue  to  the  government  of  about  ^390,000,000. 

The  latest  edition  of  Money  Found  contains  a 
glossary  of  financial  terms,  together  with  important 
statistical  tables  showing  the  financial  legislation  in 
the  United  States,  the  rates  of  interest  in  the  several 
states,  the  amount  of  gold,  silver  and  paper  money  in 
the  principal  countries  of  the  world,  etc.  The  appen- 
dix alone  is  worth  many  times  the  cost  of  the  book. 


The  Pullman  Strike.  By  Rev.  William  H.  Car- 
wardine,  Pastor  of  the  First  Methodist  Church, 
Pullman,  111.  Fourth  edition.  Chicago:  Charles 
H.  Kerr  & Company,  175  Monroe  Street.  Paper, 
25  cents,  postpaid. 

The  Pullman  strike  has  passed  into  history.  The 
Pullman  problem  remains  unsolved,  and  every  patriotic 
American  must  do  his  part  in  solving  it.  For  it  is 
only  part  of  a larger  problem,  one  that  is  already 
upon  us. 

Had  the  strikers  any  real  grievances,  or  were  they 
the  dupes  of  ambitious  men  with  private  ends  to  serve? 
Which  ought  the  people  to  demand  of  their  legisla- 
tors, that  they  restrict  the  power  of  organized  capital, 
or  that  they  go  further  in  repressing  the  movements  of 
organized  labor? 

The  answers  to  such  questions  depend  rather  on  facts 
than  on  logic,  but  facts  are  hard  to  arrive  at,  when 
statements  come  from  the  parties  vitally  interested  in 
the  disputed  questions.  Mr.  Carwardine’s  little  book 
has  therefore  a high  and  permanent  value  both  to  the 
citizen  of  to-day  and  the  student  of  the  future.  For 
he  is  neither  a capitalist  nor,  in  the  restricted  sense, 
a workingman,  but  an  observer,  with  nothing  to  preju- 
dice him  in  favor  of  either  side.  This  being  the  case, 
his  testimony  in  favor  of  the  men  and  against  the 
Pullman  Company  is  most  convincing,  and  it  is  no 
wonder  that  the  allied  monopolists  have  done  every- 
thing possible  in  indirect  ways  to  discredit  the  little 
book,  nor  that  its  sale  has  been  phenomenally  rapid 
among  those  who  are  hoping  and  working  for  social 
progress  toward  a more  humane  civilization. 

Not  a single  important  statement  in  the  book  has 
been  successfully  challenged,  and  fair-minded  men 
may  read  it  with  the  certainty  of  getting  at  the  facts. 


A Story  from  Pullmantown.  By  Nico  Bech-Meyer. 
Chicago:  Charles  H.  Kerr  & Company,  175 
Monroe  Street.  Paper,  25  cents;  cloth,  50  cents, 
postpaid. 

The  year  1894  will  pass  into  America’s  history  as  a 
memorable  one.  Throughout  the  nation  the  irrepres- 
sible conflict  between  human  rights  and  “vested  rights’* 
has  been  growing  more  intense.  Upon  the  town  of 
Pullman  all  eyes  have  been  focused,  for  here  the  na- 
tional struggle  has  been  reproduced  in  miniature, — re- 
produced in  a fashion  so  concrete  that  the  dullest 
minds  have  understood.  Rarely  has  so  grand  a theme 
been  found  ready  to  the  artist’s  hand,  and  never  has 
the  artist  appeared  so  promptly. 

Mrs.  Nico  Bech-Meyer  is  an  American  by  adoption 
and  loyalty,  though  a Norsewoman  by  birth.  She  has 
acquired  a mastery  of  the  English  language  that  most 
of  our  native  authors  might  well  envy.  But  she  does 
not  often  let  the  reader  stop  to  think  of  her  style, — 
the  movement  of  her  story  is  too  rapid. 

Very  artistically  yet  simply  she  discloses,  as  her  story 
proceeds,  the  insufferable  oppressions  of  the  Pullman 
company;  she  interprets  the  mental  struggle  of  the 
more  intelligent  of  the  working  people;  she  closes  her 
book  with  their  final  decision  to  begin  the  strike,  and 
every  reader  who  has  followed  the  story  from  the  be- 
ginning will  feel  that  as  free  men  and  women  they 
could  not  have  done  otherwise. 

This  book  is  full  of  inspiration  for  those  who  are 
tempted  to  think  of  the  strike  as  only  a failure:  “Never 
yet  have  great  changes  been  effected  without  birth- 
pains.  There  are  walls  which  must  be  torn  down, 
and  old  stuff  which  must  be  thrown  out.  Better  to  lie 
down  on  the  street  and  die  than  to  live  a slave’s  life 
and  leave  it  as  an  inheritance  to  their  children.” 


The  Rights  of  Labor.  An  inquiry  as  to  the  rela- 
tion between  employer  and  employee.  By  W.  J. 
Chicago:  Charles  H.  Kerr  & Company,  175  Mon- 
roe Street.  Paper,  25  cents;  postpaid. 

Few  employers  and  few  of  those  in  their  employ 
have  very  definite  ideas  as  to  the  implied  agreements 
which  legally  attach  to  the  ordinary  verbal  contract  to 
work  for  so  many  dollars  a week,  and  still  fewer  have 
any  definite  ideas  as  to  how  the  law  might  be  improved. 
The  anonymous  writer  of  this  book  gives  much  valua- 
ble information  as  to  the  present  status  of  the  labor 
contract,  and  he  advocates  certain  legal  reforms  the 
discussion  of  which  can  not  fail  to  do  good. 

He  holds  that  under  present  conditions  the  laborer 
is  usually  at  a disadvantage  in  making  a labor  contract, 
since  his  very  life  depends  on  his  finding  work,  and 
that  thus  the  employer  often  grasps  an  unduly  large 
share  of  the  product.  The  remedy  which  the  author 
proposes  is  to  limit  by  law  the  percentage  of  profit 
(after  all  expenses  are  paid)  which  capital  may  receive 
each  year  on  its  actual  investment.  He  would  put 
this  limit  high  enough  to  compensate  for  the  losses  of 
unprofitable  years.  All  profits  above  this  limit  he  pro- 
poses to  divide  among  those  who  do  the  work,  either 
of  hand  or  head,  in  proportion  to  their  wages.  Also 
he  would  make  some  provision  against  the  enforce- 
ment of  needless  and  oppressive  regulations. 

Never  in  the  world’s  history  were  the  toiling  millions 
so  near  as  now  to  a union  for  political  action  to  secure 
their  rights.  Given  a plan  on  which  all  can  unite,  and 
the  union  can  be  effected  with  astonishing  rapidity. 
This  book  develops  many  if  not  all  the  features  of  the 
coming  plan  for  action,  and  every  thinking  man  should 
read  it. 


Shylock's  Daughter.  By  Margret  Holmes  . Bates. 
Illustrated  with  eleven  drawings  by  Capel  Rowley- 
Chicago:  Charles  H.  Kerr  & Company,  175  Monroe 
Street.  Paper,  25  cents;  cloth,  75  cents;  postpaid. 

This  book  is,  to  begin  with,  a thoroughly  well  written 
love  story,  with  an  interesting  plot  and  lifelike  char- 
acters. Whoever  begins  it  will  read  it  through.  When 
he  has  read  it,  if  he  was  already  a Populist,  he  will 
overflow  with  enthusiasm,  while  if  he  was  a Republican 
or  a Democrat  he  will  have  many  things  to  think  over. 

The  hero  of  the  story  is  a People’s  Party  legislator, 
elected  to  represent  a constituency  of  farmers  and  miners. 
The  heroine  is  the  daughter  of  one  of  our  typical  plutO' 
crats,a  man  who  had  secured  his  election  to  the  state  sen- 
ate in  the  interest  of  a wealthy  corporation,  and  whose 
aim  was  to  prevent  just  the  legislation  that  the  hero  of 
the  story  was  bent  on  securing.  The  senator  conceived 
the  happy  idea  of  using  his  daughter’s  influence  with 
the  popular  young  legislator,  and  the  consequences  of 
his  endeavors  are  worked  out  by  the  novelist  in  a decid- 
edly interesting  fashion.  For  the  final  outcome,  the 
reader  must  consult  the  book  itself. 

The  hero,  John  Longwood,  opens  his  political  career 
by  writing  a series  of  letters  on  money,  land,  trans- 
portation, etc.,  to  his  local  paper.  The  ideas  thus 
advanced  are  sound  and  timely,  embodying  some  of 
the  most  important  reforms  which  the  country  is  suffer- 
ing for  to-day. 

The  book  is  dedicated  to  the  People’s  Party  of 
America.  “Never  a party  with  so  magnificent  an  op- 
portunity. Never  a party  with  rank  and  file  so  sturdy 
and  noble.  Never  such  a need  for  brave,  wise  and  in- 
corruptible leaders.  If  these  pages  encourage  another 
John  Longwood  to  come  forward,  it  will  not  have  been 
written  in  vain.” 


A Modern  Love  Story.  By  Harriet  E.  Orcutt.  Chi- 
cago: Charles  H.  Kerr  & Co.,  175  Monroe  Street. 
Paper,  25  cents;  cloth,  ^i.oo;  postpaid. 

“It  is  full  of  interest.” — Ohio  State  Jour7iaL 

“In  this  beautiful  volume  we  have  a story  of  love 
that  did  not  end  at  the  altar.” — The  Old  Homestead. 

“It  is  essentially  a tale  of  this  period, when  women’s 
rights,  women’s  emancipation,  women’s  individuality, 
are  in  full  force.  ” — Inter  Ocean. 

“The  book  is  one  that  will  increase  the  reader’s 
faith  in  humanity  and  respect  for  the  rights  and  opin- 
ions of  others.” — Woman' s Standard,  Des  Moines. 

This  modern  love  story,  like  its  subject,  does  not 
end  with  the  altar,  but  continues,  quite  in  sympathy 
with  modern  progress,  to  prove  that  despite  misunder- 
standing and  trouble,  marriage  is  never  a failure  when 
it  is  a union  of  souls.  The  heroine  is  a veritable  fin 
de  siecle  maiden;  she  is  devoted  to  her  art,  at  least 
she  thinks  she  is;  not  at  all  sentimental,  until  her 
heart  is  touched,  when,  quite  to  her  own  surprise  and  the 
amusement  of  the  reader,  she  suddenly  becomes  a very 
ordinary  damsel,  none  the  less  lovable  for  that,  either 
in  the  e3^es  of  her  lover  or  his  sympathetic  confidante, 
who  is  likewise  the  reader.  The  tale  is  pleasantly  told, 
bright  with  incident  and  not  too  serious  with  reflection 
to  make  it  an  enjoyable  holiday  companion.” — Journal 
of  Education,  Boston. 

Miss  Orcutt  is  perhaps  best  known  as  the  “Editor 
of  Economist  Educational  Exercises,”  a series  of 
lessons  on  economic  subjects  which  were  published  in 
1892 — in  the  National  Economist,  then  the  official 
organ  of  the  Farmers’  Alliance.  Miss  Orcutt  is  a 
member  of  the  Illinois  Woman’s  Press  Association, 
and  a contributor  to  leading  periodicals.  She  wrote 
“The  Danger  of  the  Hour,”  a striking  article  published 
in  the  American  Journal  of  Politics. 


Jetta,  A Story  of  the  South.  By  Semrick.  Chicago: 

Charles  H.  Kerr  & Company,  175  Monroe  Street. 

Paper,  50  cents;  postpaid. 

Miss  Lucy  A.  Orrick,  of  Canton,  Miss.,  has  evoked 
the  favorable  criticism  of  the  press  and  public  in  her 
production  of  “Jetta,”  a story  of  the  South  and  Lou- 
isiana, redolent  with  the  perfume  of  yellow  jasmine, 
wisteria  and  honeysuckle,  and  depicting,  as  the  St. 
Louis  Republic  says,  “with  captivating  genuineness,” 
life  on  the  famous  Louisiana  plantation.  The  char- 
acters drawn  are  true  to  life,  and  the  scenes  and  in- 
cidents pictured  are  familiar  to  many  Louisianians  of 
the  present  day.  The  story  is  told  with  the  ardor 
and  enthusiasm  of  a Southern  girl  imbued  with 
Southern  ideas  and  Southern  customs,  and  in  this  re- 
spect presents  to  the  people  of  other  sections  of  the 
country  a faithful  portrayal  of  life  in  the  South  as 
seen  by  one  of  its  daughters. — New  Orleans  Tifnes- 
Democrat. 

Stories  of  Southern  life  are  just  now  much  in  evi- 
dence. Many  of  them  contain  the  best  indication  of 
the  birth  and  growth  of  a genuine  literature,  because 
they  are  written  by  Southerners  who  know  whereof 
they  write,  and  show  that  they  recognize  the  value  of 
materials  that  lie  close  to  their  hands.  They  exhibit 
a sincere  effort  to  depict  life  and  character.  This  cap- 
tivating genuineness  is  noticeable  in  “Jetta,”  a story 
of  the  South,  which  has  just  been  published  by  Charles 
H.  Kerr  & Co.,  of  Chicago.  Under  the  nom  de  plume 
of  Semrick  one  may  easily  recognize  the  personality  of 
a bright  young  woman  with  a manifest  gift  of  story 
telling. — St.  Louis  Post-Dispatch. 

Throughout  one  breathes  and  revels  in  an  atmosphere 
essentially  Southern;  the  characters  are  genuine  types 
of  Southerners;  the  negro  dialect  perfect,  and  one  always 
feels  that  there  is  a promise  of  something  stronger 
from  the  same  pen  in  the  future.  — Canton  Times. 

Essentially  a Southern  story,  fresh,  vivid  and  inter- 
esting in  every  line  of  character  portrayed. — Memphis 
Commercial  Appeal. 


CONDEMNED  BY  COMSTOCK 


BUT  COMMENDED  BY  INTELLIGENT  CRITICS  EVERYWHERE. 

Anthony  Comstock  condemns  “Woman,  Church  and 
State.”  * In  a letter  written  Feb.  26,  1894,  but  only 
recently  made  public,  he  says:  “In  reference  to  whether 
this  is  a proper  book  to  put  in  a school  library  for 
children  to  read,  I unhesitatingly  say  no,  it  is  not  a 

proper  book  for  children  to  read The 

incidents  of  victims  of  lust  told  in  this  book  are  such 
that  if  I found  a person  putting  that  book  indiscrim- 
inately before  the  children  I would  institute  a crim- 
inal proceeding  against  him  for  doing  it.” 

This  letter  was  in  answer  to  an  inquiry  from  a Cath- 
olic member  of  a school  board  at  Fayetteville,  N.  Y., 
the  author’s  home.  She  had  presented  the  work  to  the 
school  library,  and  the  member  in  question,  objecting 
to  Mrs.  Gage’s  straightforward  statements  of  fact  in 
her  chapters  on  “Celibacy,”  “Canon  Law,”  etc.,  sent 
the  book  to  Anthony  Comstock  for  his  opinion. 

Commenting  on  this  letter,  the  Boston  “Investiga- 
tor” says:  “The  only  question  to  be  asked  and  an- 
swered regarding  the  work  of  Mrs.  Gage  is  this:  Does 
she  tell  the  truth?  That  is  the  point.  If  Mrs.  Gage 
has  stated  what  is  false,  has  given  to  fictions  the  face 
and  form  of  facts,  let  her  be  corrected;  let  her  be 
shown  up  as  a falsifier;  but,  if  she  has  told  the  truth, 
if  she  has  bodied  forth  in  her  volume  the  ugly  wrongs 
of  church  and  state  against  her  sex,  then  they  who 

* Woman,  Church  and  State,  a historical  account  of  the  status  of 
woman  through  the  Christian  ages;  with  reminiscences  of  the 
matriarchate.  By  Matilda  Joslyn  Gage,  Chicago.  Charles  H.  Kerr 
& Company,  175  Monroe  Street.  Cloth,  gilt  top,  554  pages,  $2.00 
postpaid. 


1 


2 


WOJViAN,  CHURCH  AND  STATJi 


vilify  her  name  and  attempt  to  throw  dishonor  upori 
her  work,  fear  the  truth  and  are  afraid  to  have  the 
dead  body  of  history  uncovered.  Mrs.  Gage  is  the 
victim  of  Christian  superstition, of  religious  prejudice, 
but  this  foolish  and  unjust  persecution  of  one  of  Amer- 
ica’s great  women  and  one  of  the  century’s  true  re- 
formers, ought  to  bring  her  latest  and  greatest  effort 
before  the  public,  which  we  feel  confident  will,  after 
reading  it,  vindicate  not  alone  her  work,  but  her  forci- 
ble language,  as  necessary  to  fitly  reveal  the  subject 
under  discussion.” 

The  “Church  Union”  of  New  York,  a Congregational 
paper  of  wide  circulation,  which  numbers  eight  clergy- 
men among  its  contributing  editors,  has  given  the 
book  two  reviews,  the  first  from  the  pen  of  its  editor- 
in-chief,  the  second  presumably  from  that  of  Rev. 
Charles  H.  Parkhurst,  D.  D.,  the  famous  reform  cler- 
gyman of  New  York.  The  first  says,  “We  have  not 
space  for  more  than  a notice  of  this  highly  interesting 
book.  We  should  like  to  give  it  the  extensive  review 
it  deserves  and  thus  to  summon  the  attention  of  our 
readers  to  some  of  the  very  important  truths  that 
are  presented  and  which  call  for  thought  on  the  part 
of  all.  But  get  the  book  and  study  its  striking  con- 
tents for  yourself.  ” The  second  review  declares  that 
“its  teeming  pages  contain  not  a few  important  and 
neglected  truths  which  it  would  be  well  for  churches 
and  state  to  ponder.  ” 

Moncure  D.  Conway,  of  London,  England,  the  biog- 
rapher of  Emerson,  wrote,  “It  has  long  been  my  usage 
to  read  everything  I encountered  from  your  pen.  I 
shall  probably  have  something  to  say  of  it  in  one  of 
my  discourses  at  South  Place.  ” 


Woman,  church  and  state  ^ 

From  a lady  Professor  in  a Pennsylvania  College: 
“The  style  of  your  book  is  clear,  the  argument  conclu- 
sive, borne  out  as  it  is  by  authority.  It  has  stirred  us 
all  as  I wish  that  the  book  might  stir  the  entire  race 
of  women  in  every  part  of  the  world.  One  million 
ought  to  be  distributed  and  read  in  our  country  alone.  “ 

Judge  Merrick  of  the  Louisiana  Supreme  bench  de- 
clared he  had  “nothing  but  unqualified  praise  for  the 
book.  ” 

A Boston  physician  wrote,  “Allow  me  to  congratu- 
late you.  “Woman,  Church  and  State’’  is  the  greatest 
book  ever  written  by  a woman  and  the  grandest  book 
ever  written  in  the  interests  of  woman.  I mention  it 
to  every  woman  I meet,  and  all  who  have  read  it  are 
pleased,  instructed  and  astonished.” 

The  “Woman’s  Tribune”  of  Washington,  D.  C., 
edited  by  Mrs.  Clara  Berwick  Colby,  commends  the 
book  as  “especially  valuable  for  study  in  woman’s 
clubs.  ” 

A Washington,  D.  C.,  lady,  a Christian  Scientist, 
said,  “What  a wonderful  book!  I cannot  read  but  a 
little  at  a time,  for  it  seems  to  stir  up  the  old  Adam 
in  me,  that  I thought  was  buried.  Every  library  in 
the  world  ought  to  have  it.  ” 

The  “Advance”  of  Chicago,  the  leading  Congrega- 
tional weekly  of  the  West,  says  that  the  book  “shows 
much  research  and  learning.” 

Rev.  Dr.  Keeling,  an  Episcopal  clergyman  of  Da- 
kota, says,  “It  is  a most  remarkable  book  and  is  bound 
to  make  a stir  among  the  clergy.  I have  read  it  once, 
shall  read  it  again  and  mark  it,  read  it  a third  time 
and  take  notes.  ” 

“The  Banner  of  Light,  a noted  Spiritualistic  paper 


4 WOMAN,  CHURCH  AND  STATE 

of  Boston,  says,  “If  any  writer  has  done  the  present 
generation  an  extremely  valuable  service,  Mrs.  Gage’s 
name  heads  the  list.  There  is  no  true  man  or  woman 
who  cannot  but  feel  under  obligations  to  its  author.  “ 

Victor  K.  Lemstrand,  a literary  gentleman  and  pro- 
found thinker  of  Stockholm,  wrote,  “I  want  to  make 
the  work  known  here  in  Sweden  and  perhaps  translate 
parts  of  it  into  Swedish.  “ 

A noted  lady  reformer  of  the  South,  a woman  of 
wealth  and  position,  after  receiving  the  book  wrote,. 
“I  came  home  and  looked  your  book  through;  was  so 
chained  to  it  I could  not  let  it  go.  I am  thankful  and 
overjoyed  at  the  book.  It  will  make  a stir  and 
emancipate  thousands.  I thank  you  in  my  soul.  I 
cannot  see  anything  3^ou  could  have  omitted.  It  throws 
a light  on  the  park  pages  of  life,  a strong  light,  it  is 
true,  strong  because  true,  but  in  a most  solemn  and 
dignified  manner.” 

Column  after  column  could  be  filled  with  notices 
similar  in  character,  from  newspapers,  magazines  and 
letters,  all  speaking  in  the  highest  manner  of  the  purity 
of  the  book,  its  profound  learning,  the  research  shown, 
and  its  immense  value  to  the  world.  It  is  a history, 
both  of  the  church  and  the  state,  especially  in  their 
relations  to  woman,  which  touches  many  points  that 
have  been  ignored  by  male  historians,  and  herein  lies 
its  greatest  value.  Intelligent  men  and  women  who 
do  not  believe  in  a censorship  are  invited  to  send  for 
the  book  and  judge  whether  its  tendency  is  to  corrupt 
the  imagination  of  girls,  or  to  teach  them  the  dignity 
of  womanhood. 


